The Athletic's resident renowned English transfer journalist David Ornstein, exclusively reported on Sunday that Arsenal have agreed to sign their England U19s international attacking midfielder wonderkid Max Dowman to scholarship contract.

According to Ornstein, Arsenal had been eager to secure a long-term contract with Dowman before the start of the season to avoid a repeat of the situation earlier this year, when his national teammate, centre-back Ayden Heaven, abruptly transferred to Manchester United on the winter transfer window deadline day.

It is understood that several top clubs in Europe's top five leagues have been closely monitoring Dowman's situation and planning to sign him when the opportunity arises. However, Dowman, a staunch Arsenal fan, had no interest in such offers and was determined to stay at Arsenal for as long as possible.

This new contract with the wonderkid is undoubtedly good news for Arsenal.

Ornstein revealed that Dowman, who had previously only been on an schoolboy contract with Arsenal, has signed a scholarship contract with the Gunners. His contract expires in the summer of 2027, but Arsenal will formally sign him to his first professional contract once he turns 17.

This is similar to situation when Liverpool signed Dowman's national teammate, Rio Ngumoha.

About Max Dowman

Max Dowman, who is still only 15, was born on December 31, 2009, in Chelmsford, England. He is 1.83 meters tall and primarily plays as an attacking midfielder but can also play as a right winger.

Dowman played for the youth academy of non-club Billericay Town before joining Arsenal's youth academy at age 6. At 14, he scored a goal against Atalanta in their UEFA Youth League match, breaking the record by becoming the youngest goalscorer in the competition's history.

In August, Dowman completed his Arsenal first-team debut by coming on as a substitute in the Premier League match against Leeds United, breaking the record to become the second youngest player in Arsenal history to debut in the Premier League, after his teammate Ethan Nwaneri.

A few days ago, Dowman started in the Carabao Cup match against Brighton, breaking the club record to become the youngest player in Arsenal's history to appear in the English League Cup.

In that match, Dowman was highly praised for his excellent dribbling, courage, and composure, immediately drawing comparisons to Liverpool player Harvey Elliott's performance when he was in the similar age.

Since his debut, Dowman has made 4 appearances for the Premier League leaders in all competitions so far, providing 1 assist.