Credit: Imago, msalmon_5 on Instagram

Evan Lloyd

Tue 21 April 2026 17:45, UK

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Max Dowman has sent a message following Arsenal’s announcement of Marli Salmon’s pre-contract agreement on Tuesday.

The defender will sign professional terms for the first time when he turns 17 in August, after Dowman did the same in January.

Salmon has emerged among Arsenal’s brightest defensive talents this season, appearing in the FA Cup and the Champions League earlier in the season.

While his teammate, Dowman, has stolen many of the headlines for his involvement in recent weeks, the England youth international is seen by many as a similar level of talent.

Arsenal chiefs have been desperate to secure the futures of both players, and have now done so.

Max Dowman sends love to Marli Salmon

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider in March that Mikel Arteta must be careful with Dowman as the teenager begins to gain more prominence.

It was a surprise to many when the 16-year-old was brought on for his senior Arsenal debut in August, but it quickly became apparent why there had been talk of him playing last season.

The England youth international was incredibly fast with the ball at his feet, and showed immense confidence for a player of his age.

That day, Dowman won a penalty and started to ramp up the excitement that was compounded by his performances in the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup.

It was last month that saw the talent attract worldwide acclaim, however, when he was brought off the bench and scored in the dying stages against Everton to strengthen Arsenal’s title bid.

Salmon remains at the stage before that, but is another player that the Gunners are very excited about.

Dowman reposted Tuesday’s announcement that confirmed the defender had signed his pre-contract agreement, leaving two heart emojis on his Instagram story.

Arsenal players react to Salmon announcement

Both Dowman and Salmon will expect to play a bigger role next season, with Arsenal set to attempt to fight on all four fronts again.

The defender still has some growing into his frame to do, but he is already showing great potential.

Dowman liked the post that confirmed his new agreement, and the 16-year-old was joined by the likes of Jurrien Timber and Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Salmon took to Instagram following the news, and wrote: “Very proud moment for me and my family to commit my future to Arsenal.

“So thankful to everyone who has helped me get to this point. Very excited to see what the future brings, all in God’s timing.”