Arsenal teenager Max Daumann signed a pre-agreement to a professional contract when he turned 17 in December.
The 16-year-old’s professional contract will take effect on his 17th birthday on December 31st.
The deal secures the winger’s long-term future with the club after he made his breakthrough in the first team this season.
Just 15 years and 302 days old, Dauman became Arsenal’s youngest ever starter when he was selected in the squad that defeated Brighton in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup in October. In the same month, the England youth international signed scholarship terms with Arsenal.
A month later, he became the youngest player in Champions League history (15 years, 308 days) when he came on as a substitute in Arsenal’s win over Slavia Prague.
In August, Dauman became the second-youngest player (15 years, 235 days) to appear for both the Premier League and Arsenal, after Gunners teammate Ethan Nwaneri (15 years, 181 days).
Dowman came on as a substitute in his debut against Leeds at home in August and has made five appearances in all competitions as a senior.
However, he injured his ankle during a closed-door friendly in December and has not featured for Mikel Arteta’s side since early November.
A professional contract has been agreed in advance and Dauman will return from injury this season and aim to break a new Arsenal record.
If he scores this season, he will become the youngest goalscorer in history, surpassing Cesc Fabregas’ previous goal set in December 2003 at the age of 16 years and 212 days.
Dauman said: “This means everything to me and my family. We all support Arsenal and I truly feel like I belong here. I would like to thank all the coaches, teammates and most importantly my family and friends who have helped me get to where I am today.”
“This really means a lot to me because I’ve been at this club all my life. There’s a very clear pathway here and all the players from the academy like Bukayo (Saka), Miles (Lewis Skelly) and Ethan (Nwaneri) really inspire me. It’s great to have role models so close who have gone through the same things as me. I’m now really excited to keep working hard on my development.”
Analysis: Is Dauman a star of the future…and now?
Nick Wright of Sky Sports:
One of Europe’s most exciting young players, Dauman’s contribution to Arsenal is a huge boost for the club. He’s still in the early stages of his career, but given the performances he’s already shown at senior level, it’s understandable to be excited.
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Check out the best shots from Max Dauman’s full debut for Arsenal against Brighton in the Carabao Cup.
“If I looked at his passport every day, I would simply never play him,” Arteta said in October. “But when you see what he’s doing in training, you have to play against him. Otherwise you’re blind.” Just a few days later, Dauman made Champions League history.
He had recently been sidelined with an injury. But clearly he is seen as someone who can contribute not only now but also in the future. Arsenal’s attack has been sluggish lately. Had he been healthy, the electric Dauman might have brought something different.
His time may come sooner or later.
