Arsenal defender Marli Salmon has signed his first professional contract on his 17th birthday.
Salmon made his first-team debut in a Champions League game against Club Brugge in December, then got his first start in the Gunners' FA Cup win over Mansfield.
He was an attacker when he joined Arsenal's academy in 2019 but has moved into defence, primarily at centre-back, although he has been playing at right-back at senior level while he adjusts to the game's physicality.
"It means a lot to me," Salmon said after signing his contract.
"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."
Salmon was one of six youngsters who made their first-team debut in Arsenal's Premier League title-winning season.
"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," he said.
"It's a lot of little things that push you to be a champion."
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