Arsenal have announced that 16-year-old centre back Marli Salmon has signed a pre-contract agreement which will mean he signs a first professional contract when he turns 17 in August.

It is another big step for the highly-rated defender, who has already made his first-team debut this season.

Salmon was taken on the tour of Hong Kong and Singapore and impressed the coaching staff, featuring in games against Newcastle and AC Milan.

The centre-back made his debut in the Champions League in the 3-0 win over Club Brugge and has also made three appearances in the FA Cup, starting the win over Mansfield.

He has mainly played at right-back for the first team as he gets used to the pressures and physicality of senior football, but predominantly plays in the centre of defence.

Salmon is one of several highly-rated players in the academy and, alongside fellow 16-year-old Max Dowman, is one of six youngsters to have made their debut for the first team during this campaign.