Arsenal have informed 15-year-old Max Dowman that he’ll be part of Mikel Arteta’s first-team squad next season, according to a report.
John Cross reports for the Mirror that Arsenal have told Max Dowman that he’ll be part of the first-team squad next season, and he’ll be on their pre-season tour of Asia this summer.
It’s not impossible that Mikel Arteta might have given Dowman some minutes against Southampton this weekend, with Champions League qualification wrapped up and a second-place finish all but confirmed.
But Dowman isn’t eligible to play for the Gunners this season, due to his age. That changes in 2025/26.
Given there was no chance of a game with Arsenal this month, Dowman is instead away with the England u17s at the u17 Euros, joining Gunners youth goalkeeper Jack Porter at the competition.
The team play their first group game against Belgium on Tuesday, May 20th, at 17:00 BST. Dowman will be looking to build on his three goals and two assists in six qualifiers for the tournament.
On top of his England exploits, Dowman provided 20 goals and assists in 15 u18 Premier League games in 2024/25. He’s clearly ready for a step up, it’s just a matter of time.
Cross points out that Dowman will still be at school next season, with lessons potentially affecting his involvement in training with Arsenal. But it seems he’ll have the option to join the senior side when he is available.