Arsenal defender Marli Salmon has signed a new contract with the club after impressing first-team manager Mikel Arteta during pre-season. The 17-year-old, who has spent seven years at the club, was included in several senior squads despite the defensive options available.
Pre-season impact and debut
Salmon played in a friendly against Como before the Premier League season got underway, earning praise from Arteta. Although he came through the academy as a striker, he has transitioned into a defender and impressed at the back.
Even before signing a professional contract, Salmon was named in multiple squads last season. He made his debut in the Champions League at Club Brugge, replacing Ben White in the 83rd minute.
Salmon's reaction
Following the contract, Salmon said: "It means a lot to me. A lot of hard work went into this, a lot of ups and downs, but I'm so proud."
He added: "I think it's a proud moment for my family as well, I think it's a reward for them as well, because they put so much time and effort into me. It's proof of their hard work as much as mine."
Reflecting on his conversion from striker to defender, he said: "I was an attacker in those days, so it was a bit different, but it was good. It sounds kind of cliched but it's a lot of ups and downs, a lot of tough times. Sometimes you really go through adversity, but it's built me to the person I am today, so I'm thankful for it."
Title-winning experience
Being immersed in the environment last year allowed Salmon to soak up the atmosphere as Arsenal secured their first Premier League title in 22 years. "Being around that was amazing. You see so many one-percents that go into it," the teenager explained. "It's a long season, so there's so many things that change and happen, but really keeping that level over that period of time, it takes a lot. It's a lot of little things that push you to be a champion."
Salmon will be looking to stake his claim for playing time in a backline widely regarded as the finest in Europe, with William Saliba and Gabriel among the most accomplished centre-halves, and Jurrien Timber, White and Piero Hincapie further bolstering defensive options. Arteta has strengthened his squad further this summer through the acquisition of Ezri Konsa.
