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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Ed Aarons

Arteta compares Arsenal’s Max Dowman to young Messi as teenager commits future

Max Dowman signs his pre-agreement for his first professional contract with the Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and academy manager Per Mertesacker
Max Dowman signs his pre-agreement for his first professional contract with the Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta (left) and academy manager Per Mertesacker. Photograph: David Price/Arsenal FC/Getty Images

Mikel Arteta has likened Max Dowman to a young Lionel Messi after the teenager committed his future to Arsenal.

Dowman, who in November became the youngest player to play in the Champions League at 15 years and 308 days, has signed a pre-agreement for his first professional contract when he turns 17 in December. It is understood several clubs were interested in the England Under-19s forward but there was never real doubt over whether the player who joined Arsenal aged six would stay.

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