Mikel Arteta hinted that Max Douman has achieved more than his age Lionel Messi After the teenager commits to his future Arsenal today

Dowman, who can operate as an attacking midfielder or on the wing, Has signed a pre-contract agreement with the Gunners which will lead to him penning a professional contract on December 31 when he turns 17.

It is a further boost for the Premier League leaders, who have nurtured Dauman since he joined the club’s academy as an eight-year-old.

And Arteta said his development was unparalleled, even while discussing fellow La Masia graduate Messi.

“Definitely one of the best,” Arteta said. “What he did to us at the age of 15.

“Me personally, I haven’t seen it before. Only with a guy who used to play at Barcelona, ​​but maybe not even that. He certainly doesn’t have that – he also has a certain charisma and personality that he doesn’t get affected, whether it’s the situation, the stadium or the opponent, and that’s a huge quality.

“It was a proud moment to see him sign that deal yesterday in front of his family and his loved ones. Big credit to everyone involved in that journey with him, getting him to the first team and especially the way they’ve done it. Now we have a fantastic talent that, day by day, I think we need to shape because there’s a lot.”

Domain takes inspiration from the likes of Saka at Arsenal

Domann became the second youngest player to represent Arsenal – behind Ethan Nwaneri, who is on loan at Marseille – and has made five senior appearances for the club, although his progress this season has been halted by an ankle injury.

At 16-years-old Nwaneri is the latest of the Hale products to emerge, following the likes of Myles Lewis-Skelley and England winger Bukayo Saka.

Domman said: “It means everything to me and my family. We all support Arsenal and I really feel like I belong here. I want to thank all my coaches, team-mates and most importantly, my family and friends, who have got me to where I am today.

“I’ve been at the club all my life, so this really means a lot. There’s a clear path here, the players that have come through our academy, like Bukayo, Myles and Ethan, all of whom really inspire me.

“It’s amazing to have such a close role model who has experienced the same thing I have. Now I’m very excited to continue working hard with my development.”