Arsenal - David Ornstein
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal are working diligently to secure the immediate and long-term future of Max Dowman, their highly rated 15-year-old midfielder, amid growing interest from top clubs.
Dowman, considered one of England’s brightest young talents, recently made history by becoming the youngest goalscorer in UEFA Youth League history after netting against Atalanta in September 2024. His rapid development has seen him already training with Mikel Arteta’s first-team squad, highlighting Arsenal’s determination to integrate him into their senior setup.
With rival clubs monitoring his situation closely, Arsenal are keen to avoid a repeat of last year’s departures of Chido Obi-Martin and Ayden Heaven to Manchester United. Max Dowman will be eligible to sign scholarship terms in December upon turning 16, but his future remains uncertain as multiple clubs prepare to make offers.
READ MORE: Fabrizio Romano responds to Arsenal interest in Bruno Guimarães
Speaking in a Q&A session withThe Athletic, football journalist David Ornstein outlined what Arsenal must do to secure Dowman’s commitment.
Arsenal - Max Dowman
Max Dowman (Image credit: Getty Images)
“I guess it’s down to Arsenal to do enough to convince him to sign, and obviously we might not know if they’ve succeeded in that until late 2025 or early 2026,” Ornstein said.
“Given he has come through there and is an Arsenal fan, they appear to be in a strong position. But considering most big clubs would love to sign him, Arsenal will need to prove their pathway and plans are right for him.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NOW.ARSENAL WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
“The fact Arsenal took him to Dubai recently indicates how highly Mikel Arteta thinks of Max Dowman. Let’s see how the next weeks go—he has big games for England’s youth team this week and next—but we must also respect the development of such a young and talented player.”
Arsenal’s focus on youth development has already paid dividends this season, with Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri breaking into the first team. Their emergence has saved the club millions in potential transfer fees.
With Max Dowman highly regarded within the club, Arsenal will be eager to secure his signature on a scholarship contract and provide him with a clear pathway to first-team football, ensuring he remains part of the Gunners’ long-term plans.
NEXT ARTICLE: Arsenal told £30m Premier League striker could be the “missing link” for Mikel Arteta