Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal’s first-team squad has reportedly been left astounded by the talent of 14-year-old academy star Max Dowman, who has been training with senior players under Mikel Arteta’s watchful eye.
Arteta, renowned for giving young players opportunities, made headlines in 2022 when he handed Ethan Nwaneri his Premier League debut at just 15 years and 181 days old, making him the league’s youngest-ever player. Now, Arteta appears to have another teenage prodigy in his ranks, with Dowman catching the attention of the senior squad.
The midfielder, who will turn 15 on New Year’s Eve, has already been promoted to Arsenal’s Under-18s despite his age. He recently trained alongside senior stars Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard ahead of Arsenal’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace. Dowman joined fellow academy talents Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly in first-team preparations, with Arteta personally briefing him on the pitch.
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Dowman has been making waves this season with a series of record-breaking performances. In September, he became the youngest scorer in UEFA Youth League history, finding the net against Atalanta at just 14 years, eight months, and 19 days. Earlier this month, he made history again as Arsenal’s youngest-ever player to feature at Under-21 level, appearing in a Premier League 2 match against Brighton at 14 years and 336 days.
Arsenal - Max Dowman
Max Dowman (Image credit: Getty Images)
These achievements have not gone unnoticed by Arsenal’s coaching staff and first-team players. According to X user “Hand of Ozil,” who cited a source close to the club, the Arsenal squad has been “blown away” by Dowman’s ability. “Max was placed on the Under-18s programme permanently this season as a 14-year-old. The first team are blown away by his talent,” the source said.
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Despite his remarkable progress, Arsenal are unable to offer Dowman a scholarship until he turns 16. To prevent losing the starlet to rival clubs, the Gunners are reportedly putting significant effort into demonstrating a clear pathway to the first team. This follows the departure of Chido Obi-Martin to Manchester United earlier this year.
Mail Sport reports that several Premier League clubs have already approached Dowman’s father to express interest in the young talent. However, Arsenal are determined to keep him at the club, with Arteta open to including Dowman in a senior matchday squad before the end of the season.
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