Arsenal are planning to keep Marli Salmon around Mikel Arteta’s first team this season rather than send the highly-rated defender out on loan.
The 16-year-old has impressed throughout pre-season and is now expected to receive further senior opportunities during the 2026/27 campaign.
Salmon has been regularly involved with Arteta’s squad this summer and featured again during Sunday’s 3-2 defeat against Borussia Dortmund. His performances have strengthened the belief that remaining at Arsenal could be the best next step in his development.
Marli Salmon set to remain with Arsenal first team
Now Arsenal, citing James McNicholas, reports that Salmon will not be sent out on loan this summer. He is instead expected to remain around Arsenal’s first team and be given chances by Arteta during the season.
Salmon turns 17 on 29 August, at which point a loan would become an option, but Arsenal’s current plan is to keep the defender in north London.
The decision follows an encouraging summer for the Hale End graduate.
ReadArsenal highlighted Salmon’s impressive display against Girona, when he came off the bench at centre-back and looked comfortable against senior opposition.
Salmon already has competitive first-team experience. Arsenal handed him his senior debut against Club Brugge in the Champions League last December, before he received further opportunities in the FA Cup.
The teenager also committed his long-term future to Arsenal in April, signing a pre-contract agreement which will lead to professional terms once he turns 17.
With Arsenal managing injuries in defence and Arteta keen to maintain a pathway from Hale End, Salmon now appears set to spend considerably more time around the senior squad.
A temporary move may eventually form part of his development, but Arsenal believe his immediate future is at the Emirates.
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