This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.
Arsenal have reached an agreement with teenage sensation Max Dowman to sign scholarship terms, according to The Athletic's David Ornstein, despite there being other 'lucrative deals' from other clubs on the table. The report also states that a professional contract is expected to follow once he turns 17 years of age.
A generational talent, Dowman has emerged as one of world football's hottest prospects over the last year or so – and Mikel Arteta's trust in the 15-year-old was evidenced when he made his Premier League debut against Leeds United in August.
Aged 15 years and 235 days old, the playmaker became the second-youngest player in Premier League history, and he is poised to become a key part of the Gunners in the years to come. A Hale End academy product, Dowman has already made three appearances for Arsenal's senior side and that's expected to rise exponentially.
Max Dowman Set to Sign Scholarship at Arsenal
arsenal max dowman
The fleet-footed youngster, who was born and raised in Chelmsford, has been eligible to pivot from schoolboy forms to a scholarship since January 1 and Ornstein has now reported the process is in its concluding stages. It will ensure that Dowman remains on the red half of north London for two years.
Once he reaches 16 years of age, on December 31, Dowman – whose majority of close family are long-term Arsenal supporters – will be able to sign on the dotted line of a professional contract, the first of his promising career. The deal can be pre-agreed to take effect on his 17th birthday. On X (formerly Twitter), Orsntein wrote:
"Arsenal reach agreement with Max Dowman to sign scholarship terms - with pro deal expected to follow when turns 17 (Dec 31, 2026). 15yo could have moved anywhere & for more money but only wanted AFC + terms in process of being finalised."
The report states that more lucrative deals could have been on the table for Dowman and, as a result, managing to keep hold of his services will be as important as a signing for the Gunners. Although none were named, Ornstein reported that he had attracted interest from many of world football's leading clubs.
Elsewhere, according to a report from football.london, Arteta – widely regarded as one of the best managers in world football – was pivotal when it came to convincing the teen to commit the next two years of his career, at least that is, to the Premier League table toppers.
Dowman, a five-cap England U19 international, featured alongside the likes of Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka in all three of his side's friendlies during the Singapore leg of their pre-season campaign.
Competitively, alongside proving to be a cut above the rest in the club's U19s and U21s, he's made three appearances for Arteta's side. Dowman's stratospheric rise from an unknown quantity to one of the best English teenagers in world football has been rapid – and following the latest news, he'll soon be a household name around England.
In his position, Arsenal have a whole raft of star-studded names that can play – not least club skipper Martin Odegaard. Eberechi Eze and Ethan Nwaneri, who is perhaps his biggest rival in terms of fighting for minutes, can also operate from a central hub behind the striker.