Salmon swimming with the big fish after turning pro
Marli Salmon’s first professional contract with Arsenal comes into effect today as the defender celebrates his 17th birthday.
The club confirmed in April that the highly-rated academy prospect had committed his future to the Gunners by signing a pre-contract agreement, having already enjoyed a breakthrough season at senior level.
Salmon made his competitive debut in the Champions League last October, coming on for a late cameo against Club Brugge, where he found himself up against future teammate Christos Tzolis. He was named on the bench a further five times in the competition and went on to feature three times in the FA Cup, against Portsmouth, Wigan and Mansfield.
He’s still waiting for his Premier League debut, although he was included in Mikel Arteta’s matchday squad on a handful of occasions.
Alongside his first-team involvement, Salmon captained the under-21s and made 18 appearances in Premier League 2 last season. He also featured six times for the under-18s and represents England at under-17 level, with a step up through the international age groups expected in the near future.
Quite how many opportunities Salmon gets with the senior side this season remains to be seen. Even with Jurrien Timber and William Saliba currently sidelined by injury, Arteta still has Ben White and new signing Ezri Konsa among his defensive options. Equally, at just 17, it’s probably a little early to be talking about a loan move, so patience may be required as he continues his development between the academy and first team.
“It means a lot to me,” Marli told the club website. “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.”
Reflecting on his experiences with the first team last season, he added: “It’s always a good experience to be around [the first team]. You learn so much, not even just on the pitch, but off the pitch, about how they prepare and how they carry themselves.
“It’s valuable; I’m so grateful for who I’ve got here. You get to learn and see them in person, you see so much detail. It’s very good.
“I’m looking forward to attacking the season. I gave myself a good start, so let’s see what it holds.”
Good luck (and happy birthday) to him.
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