Downman will sign his first professional contract with the club when he turns 17 on New Year's Eve this year. Dowman made his debut for Arsenal\u2019s U18 team at just 13 years of age and became the youngest player to register a goal in the UEFA Youth League when hitting the net in that competition aged 14.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThis means everything to my family. We all support Arsenal, and I really feel like I belong here. I\u2019d like to thank all my coaches, teammates and, most importantly, my family and friends, who have got me to where I am today.\" Max said on signing the pre-contract, as quoted by Arsenal's official page.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been at the club my whole life, so this really means a lot. There\u2019s such a clear pathway here for players who have come through our academy, like Bukayo, Myles and Ethan, who all really inspire me. It\u2019s amazing to have role models so close who have experienced the same thing that I have. I\u2019m now so excited to continue to work hard with my development,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Arsenal's coach, Michael Arteta, also congratulated the young footballer on the pre-contract agreement.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been at the club my whole life, so this really means a lot. There\u2019s such a clear pathway here for players who have come through our academy, like Bukayo, Myles and Ethan, who all really inspire me. It\u2019s amazing to have role models so close who have experienced the same thing that I have. I\u2019m now so excited to continue to work hard with my development,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite his young age, Dowman has already made five appearances for Arsenal\u2019s first team and even provided an assist in a match against Leeds. Dowman also featured in a Champions League fixture against Slavia Prague, playing 18 minutes on the pitch.<\/p>\r\n\r\n