Max Dowman: Arsenal teenager signs pre-contract – meaning professional deal with Gunners will follow

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

The Gunners say this will lead to the 16-year-old England international signing a professional contract when he turns 17 on December 31.

Dowman, who can play on the wing or as an attacking midfielder, has become one of the most sought-after young players in European football but will remain in north London.

“I’ve been at the club all my life so it really means a lot,” said Dowman, who joined Arsenal’s academy aged eight.

“There is such a clear path 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 such close role models who have gone through the same thing as me.”

At 15 years and 234 days, Dowman became the second youngest player to represent the Gunners and the second youngest to play in the Premier League – with teammate Nwaneri, currently on loan at Marseille, holding both records.

In November, he became the youngest player to appear in a Champions League match when he made a substitute appearance in the 3–0 win over Slavia Prague.

Dowman has made five senior appearances this season, but spent a period out due to an ankle injury.