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Max Dowman, the youngest athlete to appear in the Champions League at just 15 this season, has entered into a pre-contract deal with Arsenal, which will allow him to obtain professional contracts once he reaches the age of 17.

Arsenal confirmed the agreement on Friday, and manager Mikel Arteta seemed to liken the player to Lionel Messi when questioned about whether he had encountered a young talent with such ability and a resilient mindset.

What he’s done with us at 15, personally I’ve never seen it before,” Arteta said. “Only with a player who used to be at Barcelona, but not even that.

He (Dowman) possesses a unique charm and character. He remains composed regardless of the circumstances, the venue, or the opposition. That is a significant asset.

Arteta was part of Barcelona during the time when Messi was rising through the ranks, although the Argentine star did not debut in competitive matches for the Spanish club until he was 17 years old.

Dowman was 15 years and 208 days old when he entered as a substitute in Arsenal’s 3-0 victory against Slavia Prague in November. No player under 15 had ever participated in Europe’s premier club competition before.

In August, he was the second-youngest player — after his Arsenal teammate Ethan Nwaneri — to appear in the Premier League.

Other players who have emerged from the Arsenal academy in recent times include England international Bukayo Saka and Myles Lewis-Skelly.

I’ve been part of the club my entire life, so this is truly significant,” Dowman said. “There’s a clear path here, players who have gone through our academy, such as Bukayo, Myles, and Ethan, who all greatly motivate me.

It’s incredible to have role models nearby who have gone through similar experiences. I’m now really eager to keep striving and focusing on my growth.

Dowman, currently enrolled in school, is a left-footed forward who has been with Arsenal since he was 5 years old, joining in May 2015. He made his debut for Arsenal’s under-18 team when he was 13. At just 14, he was invited by Arsenal’s Arteta to train with the first team.