Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal teenage sensation Max Dowman is set to take a major step forward in his budding career, with reports claiming the 15-year-old will be part of the first-team squad next season.
According to The Mirror, the highly rated midfielder is also expected to join the Gunners on their pre-season tour of Asia this summer, a clear indication of the club’s belief in his immense potential.
Despite not turning 16 until December, Dowman has already made waves within the Arsenal setup and is being touted as one of the club’s most exciting prospects in recent years. Premier League regulations prevented him from featuring in the first team this season, as players must be registered with the Under-16s or above to be eligible for senior matchday squads — and Dowman began the campaign with the U15s.
READ MORE: Arsenal star set to undergo another surgery this summer
Nonetheless, the youngster has already trained regularly with Mikel Arteta’s first team and was included in the squad’s mid-season training camp in Dubai. He also delivered standout performances during Arsenal’s FA Youth Cup campaign, further cementing his status as a future star.
Max Dowman (Image credit: Getty Images)Dowman, a creative and technically gifted midfielder, he is already drawing comparisons to club captain Martin Ødegaard, with some at the club believing he has the tools to challenge for a similar role in the years to come.
Despite his rise, Dowman will still be attending school next season and will be expected to prioritise his education alongside his footballing development. His situation mirrors that of Ethan Nwaneri, who made history in September 2022 when he became the youngest-ever Premier League debutant at 15 years and 181 days old.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NOW ARSENAL WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
Arteta has already publicly praised Dowman, describing him as a “big, big talent” earlier this month. “He trains with us a lot,” the Arsenal boss said.
“I think he is on the right pathway and everybody in the academy has done an incredible job to consistently protect him, inspire him, challenge him, and keep him at the levels he can produce. He is doing well — taking the right steps, slowly. He will dictate how fast we go.”
Dowman now joins a growing list of Arsenal wonderkids breaking into the senior setup, following in the footsteps of Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, who has enjoyed a breakout season. Arteta, who is planning a significant summer rebuild, will be hoping the club’s next generation continues to shine as Arsenal look to take the next step in their pursuit of silverware.
NEXT ARTICLE: Paul Merson predicts why Arsenal could sack Mikel Arteta before Christmas next season
