What European giant were told when 'trying to sign' Arsenal gem Max Dowman

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Arsenal's teenage prospect Max Dowman became the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history last weekend when he netted in the 2-0 victory over Everton

Ajax academy coach Ronald de Boer has claimed the club were interested in signing Max Dowman 18 months ago but the Dutch giants were swiftly told it was "impossible".

The Arsenal prodigy, who made history last weekend when he became the youngest Premier League goalscorer ever following his eye-catching solo effort versus Everton, recently committed his long-term future to the Gunners when he penned a pre-contract deal in January.

But amid Dowman's drastic rise to prominence, it has now emerged that he was a name under discussion internally within Ajax in 2024.

Speaking on Dutch TV programme Ziggo Sport, De Boer said: “The funny thing is, a year and a half ago, an agent sent me a video about this player. ‘Ronald, you have to watch this. He is such a great player and really something for Ajax. A true Ajax player."

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De Boer also added that he was keen for Ajax's scouting department to make further checks which ultimately came to nothing: “They said: ‘We are already working on that, but he is almost impossible to get.’ He was already so good back then."

Arsenal have been adamant for a long time that Dowman had all the makings of a first-team player, that's why his breakthrough has come as no surprise to the Gunners.

He impressed on the club's pre-season tour of Asia last summer and later won a penalty on his Premier League debut against Leeds United.

Just under two weeks ago, Dowman once again caught the eye in the FA Cup at Mansfield Town prior to his big moment at the Emirates Stadium versus Everton.

Mikel Arteta has claimed Dowman is inspiring Arsenal's ambitious Quadruple hunt and said earlier this week prior to the 2-0 Champions League victory over Bayer Leverkusen: "It’s very inspiring when you see someone almost naive making decisions and flowing and careless playing in that manner. It’s great.

"Probably our players realised as well. It’s a good example, playing with that flow and enthusiasm is very beneficial for the team.”

Arsenal are keen to keep the teenager's feet on the ground and Arteta has also called upon the media to protect the player as the club do not want to put any pressure upon his young shoulders.

The 16-year-old has amassed seven first-team appearances so far this season and there should be plenty more between now and the end of the campaign.