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

The Gunners say this may result in the 16-year-old England youth worldwide signing skilled phrases 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 crucial sought-after younger gamers in European soccer however shall be staying in north London.

Arsenal supervisor Mikel Arteta mentioned Dowman is likely one of the greatest younger abilities he has seen with an obvious comparability to Lionel Messi.

“Definitely top-of-the-line,” mentioned Arteta. “What he is performed with us on the age of 15.

“Me personally, I have never seen it earlier than. Solely with a man who used to play in Barcelona, however perhaps not even that. He definitely has not solely that – he has a sure charisma as nicely and character that he does not get overwhelmed, whether or not it is by the scenario, or the stadium or the opposition, and that is an enormous high quality to have.”

Dowman, who joined the Arsenal academy when he was eight, added: “I have been on the membership my complete life, so this actually means lots.

“There’s such a transparent pathway right here, gamers who’ve come by way of our academy, like Bukayo Saka, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, who all actually encourage me.

“It is wonderful to have position fashions so shut which have skilled the identical factor that I’ve.”

Dowman’s contract will see him turn into a scholar from the summer time earlier than transitioning to an expert deal.

At 15 years and 234 days, Dowman grew to become the second-youngest participant to symbolize the Gunners and the second-youngest to play within the Premier League – with team-mate Nwaneri, at the moment on mortgage at Marseille, holding each data.

In November, he grew to become the youngest participant to characteristic in a Champions League recreation when he made a substitute look within the 3-0 win at Slavia Prague.

Dowman has made 5 senior appearances this season however has spent a interval out with an ankle damage.