Born in Dulwich, London, Davis came to Arsenal as an associated schoolboy in October 1977 whilst playing for South London Schoolboys and on leaving school he became an apprentice in June 1978, turning professional a year later. A talented left-footed midfielder, he made his debut 7 April 1980 in a North London derby, a 2–1 victory against Tottenham Hotspur on White Hart Lane. The following season Paul started nine league games and scored his first goal for Arsenal in a 3–2 win, at Highbury against Crystal Palace. In the early days he had to battle for a midfield place against Liam Brady, Graham Rix, Brian Talbot and John Hollins. The season after that, 1981–82, Davis became a regular in the First team, missing only four League games as well as winning his first of his eleven England U21 caps.
