Arsenal hand out summer contract after pre-season show impresses Mikel Arteta

Arsenal teenager Marli Salmon has signed his first professional deal with the young defender impressing in pre-season after advancing through the ranks in north London.

Salmon has spent seven years at the Emirates and feature in the pre-season draw with Como, before the Gunners won on penalties. His performance that night drew praise from Mikel Arteta and the 17-year-old has since been rewarded with a professional deal.

The teenager moved to Arsenal when he was in the U11s and initially was playing as a forward, but has since made a huge transition into a defender. Salmon, even before signing a pro deal, was included in several squads last season. His debut came during a European clash at Club Brugge, where he came on for Ben White in the 83rd minute.

Salmon said after his landmark moment: "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."

Reflecting on his switch from a striker to a 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."

Being around the environment last year meant that Salmon was able to lap up the title celebrations as Arsenal claimed a 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 that is seen as the best in Europe. William Saliba and Gabriel are among the best 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.

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