Mikel Arteta Compares Arsenal Wonderkid Max Dowman to Lionel Messi After New Contract Agreement

Mikel Arteta likens Max Dowman to Lionel Messi after Arsenal signs a pre-contract with the 16-year-old Hale End star.

Mikel Arteta has delivered extraordinary praise for teenage sensation Max Dowman after Arsenal secured the youngster’s future with a pre-contract agreement, with the manager drawing comparisons to Lionel Messi early years.

The 16-year-old Hale End graduate will sign his first professional contract when he turns 17 later this year, ending months of speculation surrounding interest from Europe’s elite clubs and reinforcing Arsenal’s commitment to elite youth development.

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Arteta’s Lionel Messi Comparison Explained

Speaking to the media after Dowman’s agreement was confirmed, Arteta stopped short of naming Messi directly but made the reference unmistakable.

“Certainly one of the best,” Arteta said. “What he’s done with us at the age of 15, I haven’t seen it before. Only with a guy who used to play in Barcelona — maybe not even that.”

The Arsenal boss, who spent part of his own youth career at La Masia, highlighted Dowman’s composure and personality as much as his technical quality.

“He has a certain charisma and personality. He doesn’t get overwhelmed by the stadium, the opposition or the situation. That’s a huge quality to have.”

Dowman has already written his name into Arsenal’s history books despite his young age.

He became the club’s youngest-ever starter at just 15 years and 234 days in a Carabao Cup victory and later became the youngest player to feature in the Champions League at 15 years and 308 days. His senior debut came earlier in the season against Leeds United, underlining Arteta’s trust in the academy pathway.

An ankle injury suffered in December has limited his appearances in recent weeks, but Arsenal remain relaxed about his recovery and long-term development.

Arteta stressed that Dowman’s progress has been handled with extreme care, crediting both the academy staff and the player’s family.

“The family is a crucial part of the education and development,” Arteta explained. “The communication has been excellent over the years. They trust what we are doing with him, and now it’s down to us to build something special.”

Arsenal view Dowman as a long-term project rather than a short-term solution, with a structured plan in place to protect him from pressure while maximising his potential.

Pre-Contract Secures Arsenal’s Next Big Talent

Dowman’s decision to commit comes despite strong interest from multiple European clubs, further underlining the growing pull of Arsenal’s youth pathway.

Following the successful transitions of Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, Arsenal have positioned themselves as one of Europe’s leading destinations for elite teenage talent.

Arteta described the agreement as a “proud moment” for everyone involved, adding: “There is so much there. Day by day, we need to shape him.”

While comparisons to Lionel Messi naturally raise expectations, Arsenal are determined to keep Dowman grounded. Minutes will be managed carefully, and no immediate pressure will be placed on him to replicate the achievements of established stars.

For now, Arsenal fans can take confidence in the fact that one of the most gifted teenagers in European football has committed his future to the club — with the full backing of a manager who believes his ceiling is extraordinary.

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