Andrea Berta Mikel Arteta Arsenal
(Credit: Imago/Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)
Evan Lloyd
Fri 20 June 2025 8:30, UK
Arsenal could alter their thinking in the transfer window this summer following the emergence of a youth star.
The Gunners are aiming to strengthen considerably in the coming months as they look to finally win the Premier League.
Moves for Martin Zubimendi and goalkeeper Kepa are reportedly close to completion, while links to Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres have raged on.
Mikel Arteta hopes to add at least two forwards to his squad after a cluster of attacking injuries last season saw midfielder Mikel Merino forced to play up front.
Arsenal may have the solution to some of their attacking deficiencies currently playing his football for the under-18s.
Max Dowman is seen as a superstar in the making at Arsenal
Max Dowman, 15, enjoyed a superb season despite playing three years above his age group.
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The midfielder registered 20 direct goal contributions in just 15 appearances and may well already have made his debut, had it not been for a rule that prevents players from being drawn from the under-14s or lower – Dowman turned 15 in December.
Jeorge Bird has spent around 18 years covering the Arsenal academy and has seen the youngster’s rise first-hand.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, he said: “He was superb last season and showed he can perform brilliantly in midfield or as a right winger.
“*He always looks to drag the team forward in difficult situations and has excellent close control.*”
Despite his age, Dowman can often make under-18s football look remarkably easy.
Max Dowman Arsenal
(Credit Imago)
The teenager already has a highlight reel featuring his long, dribbling runs – often passing multiple players, and usually resulting in a cool finish.
While Arsenal will continue to pursue summer targets, Bird thinks Dowman could impact the club’s thinking.
“I think a lot will be determined by pre-season,” he explained.
“If he performs really well in the friendlies then he could have significant involvement with the first-team during the season as a squad player but I think he will still get some minutes in any case.
“I think Arteta will certainly consider Dowman’s potential when assessing whether to bring in any players in his position.”
Arsenal cannot rush Dowman
The excitement surrounding Dowman is already palpable.
The midfielder’s highlights have been shared extensively, and Arsenal fans are eager to see his potential translated to the first team.
But let’s pump the brakes. The age of endless social media can sometimes make it easy to forget the vulnerability of a player at the start of their career.
Just six months after turning 15, Dowman is essentially still a footballing baby.
His potential is huge, but must be managed to ensure the youngster’s transition into adult football – and ultimately the Premier League – is smooth.
Just as he did with the talented Ethan Nwaneri, Arteta must exercise valuable caution.
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