David Ornstein has revealed that Arsenal appear to be in a “strong position” over the future of Max Dowman, but still face a fight to keep hold of him due to their rivals.
The youngster has been tipped as one of the brightest up-and-coming prospects coming out of the Hale End academy in the near future.
Dowman received praise from John Terry for a recent performance against the Chelsea under-18s, while he has featured in senior Arsenal training since he was 14 years old.
With such talent and potential, there has naturally been plenty of talk surrounding the future of the playmaker.
David Ornstein gives update on Max Dowman future at Arsenal
With Max Dowman catching the eye with his progression at Arsenal, there has been plenty of talk surrounding his future.
In the past 12 months, Arsenal have lost both Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven to Manchester United, with the pair now thriving with their rivals.
As Dowman starts to impress those outside of the Gunners, talk has continued over the difficulties Arsenal could find in keeping the 15-year-old for the future.
Transfer expert David Ornstein said on the youngster’s future at Arsenal in a recent Q and A for the Athletic: “I guess it’s down to Arsenal to do enough to convince him to sign, and obviously we might not know if they’ve succeeded in that until late 2025 or early 2026.
“Given he has come through there and is an Arsenal fan, they appear to be in a strong position. But considering most big clubs would love to sign him, Arsenal will need to prove their pathway and plans are right for him.
“He, in turn, must continue to excel as well. There’s been no suggestion that he’ll get special dispensation to play for the first team this campaign, so unless that changes in these final months the focus will be on continuing to integrate into the senior set-up in pre-season and shining in 2025-26.
“The fact Arsenal took him Dubai recently indicates how highly Mikel Arteta thinks of Dowman so let’s see how the next weeks go (he has big games for England this week and next) and also show respect to the development of a precocious young talent for club and country.”
With all of that still ahead of him, Dowman still has to progress through the ranks to prove his ability and take the step up to the next level.
When can Max Dowman sign a new contract at Arsenal?
As it stands, Dowman is not in a position where he can sign a contract at Arsenal due to registration and safeguarding rules.
The youngster will be able to change that in over one year’s time though.
Dowman cannot sign a professional contract or scholarship deal until he turns 17 years old, which will be December 31, 2026.
He is capable of agreeing terms of both in advance, which could change things, but as it stands there is still a long pathway ahead of him.
Plenty can change in the next year or so, which could make a difference to the Hale End gem and his future.
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