Official: Arsenal have signed a pre-professional contract with 16-year-old academy defender Mali Salmon.

Arsenal officially announced on Tuesday that they have reached a pre-signing agreement with academy defender Mali Salmon. Under the agreement, Salmon will officially sign his first professional contract when he turns 17 in August.

For Arsenal, this move aims to retain a key academy player they are nurturing. They also signed a similar deal with 16-year-old Max Dowman in January, who is currently considered one of England's most promising young strikers.

Salmon was born on August 29, 2009, in London, England, and joined Arsenal's youth academy in July 2019. He then steadily progressed through the youth system until making his first-team debut in the Champions League on December 11, 2025.

So far this season, Salmon has primarily played for various youth teams and the first team. He has made four appearances for Arsenal so far, without scoring a goal or providing an assist.

After completing the signing, Salmon excitedly said: "This is a very important moment for me and my family. I feel incredibly proud. I have grown up in the youth academy since I was nine years old, and now I just want to do my best for the club."

“As a fan, I have many wonderful memories at Arsenal. I am very proud to have made my debut this season, and I just want to keep working hard, maintain a high level of performance, and gain as much experience as possible in the first team.”

Image source: Internet/Arsenal official website