The 16-year-old England youth international has emerged as one of the club’s brightest academy prospects, drawing interest from across Europe before committing to the Premier League leaders. Currently on scholarship terms, he will sign a full professional contract later this year.
Dowman, who can play on the wing or as an attacking midfielder, has already made five senior appearances this season. He became Arsenal’s youngest-ever starter earlier in the campaign during the Carabao Cup win over Brighton and is also the second-youngest player to appear for both Arsenal and in the Premier League, behind team-mate Ethan Nwaneri. He also became the youngest player to feature in the Champions League after appearing against Slavia Prague.
Manager Mikel Arteta has spoken highly of the teenager, even referencing Lionel Messi when discussing Dowman’s talent and mentality.
“Certainly one of the best,” Arteta said. “What he has done at such a young age, I haven’t seen before. He has charisma and personality and doesn’t get overwhelmed by the occasion.”
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Dowman, who joined Arsenal at eight years old, said staying at the club was an easy choice.
“I’ve been at the club my whole life, so this really means a lot,” he said. “There’s a clear pathway here. Players like Bukayo Saka, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri really inspire me.”
The teenager previously became the youngest scorer in UEFA Youth League history at 14 and had established himself as part of Arteta’s first-team plans before suffering an ankle injury. If he scores this season, he would become Arsenal’s youngest-ever goalscorer, beating Cesc Fabregas’ record from 2003.