Max Dowman sends goodbye message after Arsenal transfer exit is confirmed

The Arsenal wonderkid has sent a heartfelt transfer message to youngster Samuel Onyekachukwu

13:49, 09 Jun 2026Updated 13:52, 09 Jun 2026

Arsenal youngster Max Dowman (Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)

Max Dowman has sent a two-word message to Samuel Onyekachukwu after the youngster’s exit from Arsenal was confirmed. The 18-year-old joined the Gunners from Watford’s academy at the age of 11 but will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the month.

The central defender made 17 appearances for Arsenal youth sides during the 2025/26 season but from next campaign will play his football outside of north London. In an emotional goodbye message posted on Monday, the teenager said on Instagram: “It’s been tough but after seven incredible years at Arsenal my time has come to an end.

“I’m grateful to every coach, staff member, teammate, and supporter who has been part of my journey. Thank you for the memories, lessons, friendships, and unwavering support through every high and low.

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“Wearing this badge has been a privilege and something I’ll always be proud of. Once a Gunner, always a Gunner.

“Most importantly, thank You God for Your faithfulness, guidance, and every opportunity along the way. The best is yet to come.”

The post has been liked thousands of times and Dowman was among those to take to the comments. “My brother,” the 16-year-old wrote, followed by two heart emojis.

Samuel Onyekachukwu will leave Arsenal this summer (Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)

Arsenal Under-18 goalkeeper Khari Ranson, who played alongside Onyekachukwu, wrote: “Good luck my brother.” Jack Porter simply said: “Chucks man.” Ife Ibrahim, who made his senior Arsenal debut in the Champions League win over FC Kairat in January, also commented, as did Manchester United youngster and former Arsenal youngster Chido Obi.

Last week Arsenal announced Onyekachukwu and 14 other players across the academy and women’s team would leave the club this summer. Sam Chapman, Harrison Dudziak, Seb Ferdinand, Cam’ron Ismail, Will Lannin-Sweet, Josh Nichols, Onyekachukwu and Alexei Rojas-Federushchenko are the academy stars departing Emirates Stadium, the club confirmed.

There are also some big names leaving the women’s team this summer with Katie McCabe, Beth Mead, Manuela Zinsberger, Laia Codina, Victoria Pelova, Barbora Votikova and Naomi Williams all set to depart.

In a club statement, Arsenal said: “We thank all the players leaving us for their contributions to the club. You will always be part of the Arsenal Family, and we wish you all the best of health and happiness in your futures.

“Any further developments regarding players extending their contracts, as well as joining/re-joining, or leaving us, will be officially communicated when confirmed.”

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