Arsenal teenager Marli Salmon has signed his first professional contract with the club after impressing manager Mikel Arteta during pre-season.
The 17-year-old defender, who has spent seven years at the Emirates, featured in the pre-season draw with Como, which the Gunners won on penalties. His performance in that match drew praise from Arteta and has now been rewarded with a professional deal.
From forward to defender
Salmon joined Arsenal at Under-11 level as a forward before making a significant transition to defence. Even before signing professional terms, he was included in several first-team squads last season.
His debut came during a European clash at Club Brugge, where he came on for Ben White in the 83rd minute.
Reflecting on his positional change, Salmon 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 celebrations and future ambitions
Being around the first-team environment last season meant Salmon could take in the title celebrations as Arsenal claimed their first Premier League success in 22 years.
"Being around that was amazing. You see so many one-percents that go into it," the teenager said. "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 seeking to push for minutes in a defensive line considered among the best in Europe. William Saliba and Gabriel are among the top centre-halves in the world, with Jurrien Timber, Ben White and Piero Hincapie also adding quality. This summer, Arteta has further bolstered his ranks with the signing of Ezri Konsa.
After signing his first professional 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. 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."
