Arsenal have named Max Dowman in their travelling squad for the Premier League opener against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Dowman has already made a big impression having caught the eye during Arsenal’s pre-season tour of Asia, coming off the bench against AC Milan and Newcastle and showing maturity beyond his years.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta confirmed the 15-year-old midfielder will be “in and around” the senior group this season, but recently stressed that his development must be managed carefully.
“Well, he’s going to be in and around the team. We’re going to have to manage his development very well, his next steps, and now we are fully connected with everybody in order to achieve that,” Arteta said.
Despite not turning 16 until December, Dowman has been close to first-team involvement since last season.
He travelled with Arteta’s squad on their warm-weather training camp in Dubai back in February and has continued to train regularly with senior players at London Colney.
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Arteta is known to be a strong admirer of the teenager’s technical quality and mentality, and suggested he is edging towards minutes at senior level.
“So [we want to] make sure that we give the platform that he needs, the time that he needs, the environment that he needs, and I’m sure he’s going to push every door towards the first team and have opportunities with us,” the Spaniard explained.
Dowman is eligible to play in the Premier League and domestic cup competitions, though UEFA regulations prevent him from featuring in the Champions League until his 16th birthday.
Arsenal begin the new campaign aiming to challenge across four competitions, and Dowman’s involvement offers a glimpse of the next generation pushing through Hale End.
Sporting News understands that talks are already underway over a pre-professional contract for Dowman, to be signed when he turns 16 in December.
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