Arsenal fans may be watching paint dry, but one quiet move gives reason to be excited

Arsenal's transfer deadline day is shaping up to be a dull one with no convincing links to players with just under four hours remaining of the window, but there is one move that gives fans a reason to be excited.

Marli Salmon put pen to paper on his first professional contract at the back end of last week, confirming his senior deal on his 17th birthday, as he looks ahead to a potentially exciting Gunners career.

In the midst of a crazy end to the window (not for Arsenal), it would have been easy for fans to miss the announcement of Salmon's contract signing, but it's all official and supporters should be delighted with the news.

Marli Salmon's contract signing gives reason to be exicted

As Salmon signed his name on his professional contract, he has tied himself down to Arsenal for the beginning of his senior career and that commits his potential to the North Londoners for the foreseeabel future.

While the Gunners are unlikely to sign anyone before the window closes, this is a brilliant move by the club as it ensures they keep hold of one of their biggest talents.

The young defender spent plenty of last season in and around the first team, earning experience of senior football and making four appearances. His matches came in the Champions League and the FA Cup, even earning a start against Mansfield Town in the latter competition.

He continued to show his promise throughout pre-season, but his pathway to the first team this season has potentially been blocked with the signing of Ezri Konsa. The England international joins William Saliba, Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera and Jurrien Timber as options on the right side of defence.

Salmon could struggle for chances this campaign, even in cup competitions, as a result, but there is no doubt that tying him down on professional terms is outstanding business by Arsenal. He is still only 17-years-old so has plenty of time to break into the squad.

He may benefit from being loaned out in the second half of the season, but it does look like he'll be remaining in North London for the time being as he looks to further his potential and fight for a place in the first team.

Arsenal's end to the transfer window has been pretty dire to say the least, but securing Salmon on a professional contract is a brilliant move to the future, and one that hasn't been noticed by everyone in the fanbase.

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