Arsenal's 15-Year-Old Prodigy Passes on Five Offers to Stay with the Gunners

Dowman's Decision to Stay

Arsenal's rising talent Max Dowman, 15, has turned down five foreign clubs to remain with the Gunners, according to reports.

According to The Sun, Dowman, born in 2009, has already reached a personal agreement on long-term terms with Arsenal.

Reports indicate Dowman rejected serious interest from multiple overseas clubs, preferring to continue his development in North London. He has agreed in principle to a training grant with the club running from December 2025 to December 2026.

Under current English FA rules, he cannot sign a professional contract before turning 17, but Arsenal has secured his future with this grant, seen as a crucial step ahead of a professional deal. A pro contract is anticipated to begin once he turns 17 in December 2026.

He remains eager to stay amid rising excitement around a player who has already broken into the first team despite his age. Dowman featured in the Premier League this season as a substitute in Arsenal's 5-0 victory over Leeds United at the Emirates, and also played for the first team in the Carabao Cup as Arteta progressively introduces him to high-level football.

When he appeared aged 15 years and 235 days, he became Arsenal's second youngest ever to play in the Premier League, with Ethan Nwaneri the only younger teammate to achieve it.

Dowman's rapid ascent saw him join the club's Hale End academy at a very young age, progressing through the youth ranks to become a regular first-team contender.

The Sun notes his entire family are Arsenal fans, a factor that influenced his decision to reject external offers.

In previous remarks about his development, Arteta stressed the need to manage his progression carefully, prioritising schooling, training loads, and his personal life.

From Arsenal's perspective, keeping a talent of this size is a major success; losing him to a rival European club at this age would have been a big blow, given the high interest in the teenager.

Earlier, Arteta praised the young talent, particularly after his contribution in the win over Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup final. He said: "We made ten changes, players who hadn't played together before, and we still delivered a memorable performance. Max and Andre (Hariman-Anos) gave a superb display in their first start, which fills us with pride."

He added: "When we told him he'd start, he simply smiled. That says everything about him. He doesn't overreact; he plays his own way, with bravery and resolve."

Arteta also highlighted that Dowman is doing something special for his age, able to outpace adult players despite his youth. He may even become the youngest ever to play in the Champions League if he features before year-end.

He continued: "If you asked him, he'd say he's ready for league or Champions League football. But we must manage him with care. Things move quickly in his life, and we must ensure he's progressing healthily. We must encourage him, but also protect him."

Indeed, Dowman appeared as a substitute for Arsenal in a match against Slavia Prague earlier this month, becoming the youngest ever to play in the Champions League. Arteta said: "There is no tougher competition than this tournament, and Max, at 15, was eager to surge past opponents and win set-pieces. It shows the character of these young players."

He concluded: "With his style of play, he attracts a lot of contact, but we have a great player on our hands."

Punchline 1: If he keeps developing at this pace, we’ll need a bigger calendar to fit all those pro contracts.

Punchline 2: Arsenal might have to rename Hale End—Dowman End could be closer to reality than you think.