The greatest Arsenal manager signs ‘young Messi‘
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Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 31.01.26. | 12:25
The Gunners signed a pre-agreement with a 17-year old Dowman
When the name ‘Arsenal‘ comes up, Arsene Wenger is among first people associated with this great club. The Frenchman came and totally transformed the club at the beginning of the 21st century, making it a title contender every season. Little by little, his former player Mikel Arteta is catching up with him. The Spaniard is on a good course to finally win the Premier title for the first time since his teacher did so in 2003, but his overall record is equally impressive. With a 3-2 win over Kairat Almaty in the Champions League, Arteta reached the milestone – 200th victory as the Gunners boss. Mikel has become just the sixth manager in the history of the club with 200 wins. And as Wenger is the ultimate leader with 716 triumphs in 1,235 matches (during his 22 years in charge), the Spaniard‘s win rate of 61.4% is the best of any manager in Arsenal‘s entire history. It took him 171 matches to reach 100 victories in charge before rounding off his second century in a speedy 151 matches.
We are delighted to announce that Max Dowman has signed a pre-contract agreement with the club that will lead to him signing professional terms when he turns 17 in December.
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 30, 2026
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And just before Saturday‘s Leeds game, the Gunners made another excellent job – the signed a pre-contract agreement with their academy talent Max Dowman. The youngster who joined the club when he was only eight is seen as a huge talent, and Arteta went as far as comparing him to young Lionel Messi. Well, not directly, but when a player who was in Barcelona when Messi signed as a kid says something like this, it‘s easy to draw conclusions.
“What he’s done with us at the age of 15, me personally, I haven’t seen it before. Only with a guy that used to play in Barcelona but maybe not even that. He has a certain charisma as well and personality that he doesn’t get overwhelmed, whether it’s by the situation or the stadium or the opposition, and that’s a huge quality to have. Now it’s down to him and us to build an amazing career with him” said Arteta. Dowman, who already 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.
PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 24
Saturday
18.00: (1.90) Brighton (3.75) Everton (4.20)
18.00: (6.75) Leeds (4.25) Arsenal (1.55)
18.00: (3.15) Wolverhampton (3.50) Bournemouth (2.35)
20.30: (1.53) Chelsea (4.20) West Ham (6.25)
23.00: (1.85) Liverpool (4.00) Newcastle (4.20)
Sunday
17.00: (2.10) Aston Villa (3.50) Brentford (3.80)
17.00: (1.63) Man.Utd. (4.20) Fulham (5.00)
17.00: (2.00) Nott.Forest (3.40) Crystal Palace (3.90)
19.30: (4.60) Tottenham (4.20) Man.City (1.75)
Monday
23.00: (1.80) Sunderland (3.70) Burnley (4.90)
***odds are subject to change***
