Arsenal’s young talent, Max Dowman, 15, has officially agreed to terms on a scholarship with the Premier League club. Sources indicate that a professional contract will be presented upon his 17th birthday.
Widely regarded as one of the club’s most promising prospects in years, Dowman made his first-team debut on August 23, contributing to a 5-0 victory over Leeds United at just 15 years and 235 days old. He has also made significant contributions for various England youth teams.
The scholarship will keep him at Arsenal for two years, effective from his 16th birthday on December 31, with the possibility of transitioning to a professional contract when he turns 17.
Despite interest from some of the top clubs in Europe, sources tell ESPN that the lifelong Arsenal supporter is committed to continuing his development at the north London club.
During his debut against Leeds, Dowman won a penalty in stoppage time, which Viktor Gyökeres successfully converted, making him the second youngest player ever to play in the Premier League. He follows his teammate Ethan Nwaneri, who holds the record for the youngest player after his debut on September 19, 2022.
In addition, Dowman has become the youngest ever goalscorer for Arsenal’s under-21s in Premier League 2, netting in his first start in that competition last month.
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At just 15 years and 263 days, Dowman surpassed the previous Arsenal under-21 goalscoring record held by Reiss Nelson, who set the bar at 16 years and 57 days in 2016.
Both Dowman and Nwaneri have followed in the footsteps of other academy talents, such as Bukayo Saka and Myles Lewis-Skelly, who have also made their mark in Mikel Arteta’s title-chasing squad in recent years.