Saka Inspired! Max Dowman signs pre-contract terms at Arsenal

Max Dowman has committed his future to Premier League leaders Arsenal by signing a pre-contract agreement.

Dowman’s latest contract will lead to him signing professional terms when he turns 17 on 31 December.

The 16-year-old England youth international has enjoyed a meteoric rise through the north London side’s youth ranks, becoming the youngest UEFA Youth League scorer at 14 and then Arsenal’s youngest starter at 15.

While out with an injury currently, Dowman was a valuable member of Mikel Arteta’s first team earlier this season. His scholarship terms means he has committed his future to Arsenal.

Max Dowman signs for Arsenal with Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta and Arsenal Academy Manager Per Mertesacker . (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

“This means everything to me and my family,” Dowman said.

“We all support Arsenal and I really feel like I belong here. I’d like to thank all my coaches, teammates and, most importantly, my family and friends, who have got me to where I am today.

“I’ve been at the club my whole life, so this really means a lot. There’s such a clear pathway here, players who have come through our academy, like Bukayo [Saka], Myles [Lewis-Skelly] and Ethan [Nwaneri], who all really inspire me.

“It’s amazing to have role models so close that have experienced the same thing that I have. I’m now so excited to continue to work hard with my development.”

Dowman made his debut for Arsenal’s U18 team at just 13 years of age.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been full of praise for Dowman, with the teenager showing maturity well beyond his years.

Arteta said of throwing another hot prospect in at the deep end: “What he’s done on the pitch – he comes in, the first ball he takes is he takes people on, he starts to dribble and gets a foul.

“That’s personality, that’s courage – and you cannot teach that. You have it or you don’t. And it doesn’t matter what his passport says. You throw him in this context and he is able to adapt and have a good performance.”

Arteta added, with Dowman taking in five appearances across all competitions this season: “The way he plays, he attracts a lot of contact. He’s so good at timing the right moment to move the ball when the opponent makes the next step. We have a massive player there.”

Dowman could become a Premier League title winner in 2026, as Arsenal continue to lead the table.