Arsenal are building for both the present and future during the transfer window, with Mikel Arteta's eyes not only on this season but for years to come at the Emirates
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 29: Max Dowman of Arsenal during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Arsenal and Brighton & Hove Albion at Emirates Stadium on October 29, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Max Dowman is the next big thing at Arsenal(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
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Mikel Arteta has made the remarkable claim that Max Dowman is showing more potential than Lionel Messi. It comes after Arsenal announced that talented teenager has signed a pre-contract agreement that will lead to him signing his first professional deal when he turns 17 in December.
The midfielder is the new kid on the block at Arsenal this season, making his debut in August during the Gunners' 5-0 victory over Leeds. Aged just 15 years and 234 days old, Dowman soon became the youngest starter in the club's history against Brighton in the Carabao Cup, helping Arsenal to a 2-0 win.
An ankle injury has limited Dowman to just five first-team appearances this season, and he's been sidelined for the last two months. Arteta, though, is relaxed and believes that he'll be a staple at the Emirates for years to come.
When asked where Dowman ranks among the most talented academy players he's ever seen, the Gunners boss replied: "Certainly one of the best. What he's done with us at the age of 15. Me personally, I haven't seen it before.
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"Only with a guy who used to play in Barcelona, but maybe not even that. He certainly has, not only that, he has a certain charisma as well and personality that he doesn't get overwhelmed, whether it's by the situation, or the stadium or the opposition, and that's a huge quality to have.
"The fact that we have very good examples [of academy players in the first team] is very helpful. Then it's down, not only the players as well, but the family as well because obviously they're a crucial part of their education and their development and we are very responsible of that.
LONDON COLNEY, ENGLAND - JANUARY 30: Max Dowman signs for Arsenal with Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta and Arsenal Academy Manager Per Mertesacker at Sobha Realty Training Centre on January 30, 2026 in London Colney, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Max Dowman has agreed a professional contract with Arsenal(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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"He's been great. He's got a great family. The communication between us has been very, very productive over the years. Now I think they trust what we're going to do with him and now it's down to him and us to build an amazing career with him."
Arteta added: "It's a proud moment to see him yesterday signing that deal in front of his family and his loved ones.
"Big credit to everybody that's been involved in that journey with him, to bring him all the way to the first team and especially the manner that they've done it. Now we have an amazing talent that, day-by-day, I think we need to shape because there’s so much there."