Max Dowman's Arsenal career takes huge step forward with key call after contract decision made

Max Dowman is the name on everyone's lips after his record-breaking goal for Arsenal and moves are ongoing to secure his future at the Gunners

Arsenal teenage star Max Dowman has already signed a pre-contract agreement with the club to pen terms on a professional deal when he turns 17, but has now made a key call regarding his representatives throughout his career.

The Guardian have reported that Dowman's dad, Rob and brother Ethan have obtained FIFA agent licenses with the intent of managing his career for the foreseeable future.

Dowman penned the pre-contract terms with the Gunners at the beginning of January with Onside Law, a sports, media and entertainment legal firm negotiating the terms.

The move by the Dowman family follows the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Florian Wirtz, whose futures are managed by members close to them.

In order to become a licensed football representative in football, prospective agents have to take the FIFA Football Agent exam and meet ethical requirements. The exam is a 60-minute, 20-question open-book test with a 75 per cent pass mark on the organisation's regulations.

The 16-year-old reaching new dizzying heights have even led to calls for the youngster to be called up to the England senior squad for the forthcoming World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

However, Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has moved quickly to shield the playmaker from the intense glare of the British media and the expectation of both Gunners supporters and those of the Three Lions.

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The Arsenal boss said: "I think they have to cook at the optimal speed in relation to what they need and what they demand. He is knocking on the door at 16, saying 'I am good enough and I can impact this team whenever it is needed' and he is doing it when he is playing.

"We just need to bring the temperature down and understand what is the best thing for this boy at his age. He's doing something phenomenal, we all know that.

"Let's keep it down a little bit and respect his nature to do what he has to do which I'm sure is going to be something really good."

Dowman's time in the spotlight on Saturday rubberstamped Arsenal's crucial win over the Toffees as they created a 10-point gap to Manchester City, prior to their draw against West Ham.

The 16-year-old became the Premier League's youngest-ever goalscorer with his stoppage-time goal against Everton on Saturday and has a huge future ahead of him.

Former England international and Manchester United icon Gary Neville spoke about the importance of protecting Dowman following his historic moment, last weekend.

He said: "He’s got 20 years ahead of him, it’s about doing the same things, having sensible people around him, restrict access to certain things that can distract him, be a 16-year-old kid that they ordinarily have access to.

"Match the work ethic of Saka, Odegaard and Rice, they’re still doing it every single week, there’s no let up, there’s no shortcut or route to the end but a beautiful moment. He didn’t do any interviews which I think was right, to keep him away from it, keep him off social media.

"I’ve spoken to a lot of players about managing modern media, keeping him away what would be the headlines, it’s easy for the Arsenal communications department, keep him away from social media, Max Dowman was the god on social media last night but he will be the devil at some point, he’ll miss a penalty, get injured, maybe get sent off or react at a certain point in his career.

"You want to try get rid of the rollercoaster, you’re young, full of adrenaline, full of wanting to play, massive ego, massive confidence but you need to try keep away from the rollercoaster."