Arteta draws Messi comparison as Dowman commits to Arsenal

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

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

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

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said Dowman is one of the best young talents he has seen with an apparent comparison to Lionel Messi.

“Certainly one of the best,” said Arteta. “What he’s done with us at the age of 15.

“Me personally, I haven’t seen it before. 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.”

Dowman, who joined the Arsenal academy when he was eight, added: “I’ve been at the club my whole life, so this really means a lot.

“There’s such a clear pathway 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 role models so close that have experienced the same thing that I have.”

Dowman’s contract will see him become a scholar from the summer before transitioning to a professional deal.

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 team-mate Nwaneri, currently on loan at Marseille, holding both records.

In November, he became the youngest player to feature in a Champions League game when he made a substitute appearance in the 3-0 win at Slavia Prague.