Marli Salmon has committed to a new contract with Arsenal, meaning he’ll sign professional terms with the club when he turns 17 in August.
Arsenal have confirmed that youth defender Marli Salmon has put pen to paper on a pre-contract agreement with the club, ahead of signing professional terms when he turns 17 later this year.
Young players are only eligible for professional contracts once they turn 17, so Salmon is currently unable to officially commit. But this pre-contract deal effectively confirms that he’ll do so as soon as he’s able.
The standard length of contract for a professional deal is three years, with restrictions in place to prevent anything beyond that. So when Salmon does sign his new deal officially, it will likely last until 2029.
“It’s a very big moment for me, for my family as well,” Salmon told Arsenal.com. “I’m very proud. I’ve been at the academy since I was nine and I just want to give everything to the club.
“I’m an Arsenal supporter, and I’ve had some great memories so far. I’m so proud to have made my debut this season, I just want to keep pushing on still, keep my levels high and try to get as much experience as I can in the first team.”
Salmon made his first-team debut for Arsenal this season, coming off the bench in the Champions League’s League Phase in December. He’s since been on the bench for four further Champions League matches, as well as playing three times in the FA Cup.
Premier League chances have been harder to come by, but Salmon has made the bench for three league games and one League Cup game.
One of Arsenal’s top young talents, it’s certainly great news to see Salmon commit his future to the club. The Gunners will likely try to get the defender to sign a new five-year contract once he turns 18, but today’s announcement ties him down for at least the next few years.