Arsenal's talent coming through the Hale End academy has been nothing short of sensational in the past half-decade, but they could be set to lose their prodigy Max Dowman, according to reports - with Barcelona and Manchester City having 'expressed an interest' in the midfielder ahead of a move away from London.
Dowman, born in December 2009, is only 15 years of age - but he's already got fans talking in north London with his performances for the youth team. He made his debut for the Gunners' under-18 side at the age of just 13, and back in September, became the youngest goalscorer in UEFA Youth League history with his strike against Atalanta at the age of just 14 years, eight months and 19 days.
Report: Man City, Barcelona Keeping 'Tabs' on Max Dowman
The Arsenal youngster has already turned heads without a first-team appearance
Mikel Arteta
Continuing to set records, Dowman became the youngest-ever player in the Premier League 2, and has begun training with Mikel Arteta's first-team - with the intention of featuring in the squad next season in some of the Gunners' low-profile games.
Max Dowman's Arsenal statistics - record by competition
Competition
Under 18 Premier League
UEFA Youth League
FA Youth Cup
Premier League 2
But their plans might be scuppered early on - with the report by Football Transfers stating that City and Barcelona have expressed an interest in Dowman, despite the youngster having not even made an appearance at the Emirates Stadium yet.
Already a star at England youth level, clubs across the continent are all aware of his talents, with City and Barcelona both in the race to sign him. Sources close to the situation state that both clubs have made initial approaches to 'signal their interest' in Dowman, aware of his 'unreal' long-term potential.
Barcelona's La Masia academy is arguably the most infamous youth program in the world, having produced the likes of Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal and Andres Iniesta - and they see the Essex-born starlet as a natural fit for their side. However, they cannot land Dowman until he turns 18 due to travel restrictions. City, however, could land Dowman immediately, and they also see him as a long-term project who could follow in the footsteps of Phil Foden and Cole Palmer.
Arsenal, however, are aware of the interest, and remain relaxed as they believe they have the right framework to help him into the first-team in the same way they have with Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt. Correct as of 05-06-25.
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