Arsenal could have a new Martin Odegaard in the form of teenage sensation Max Dowman (Image: GETTY)
could have a new on their hands in the form of 15-year-old academy starlet Max Dowman. The teenage sensation has shown glimpses of some of the attributes Odegaard possesses, with Gunners boss said to be open to naming the attacker in a matchday squad for a first team game this season.
Dowman starred for the under-19s in the UEFA Youth League before Christmas, despite the fact he was years younger than his team-mates and opponents.
And at the end of last year he became the youngest player to ever feature for at under-21s level when he came off the bench in a 1-1 draw with .
Like Odegaard, Dowman has shown that he is comfortable taking on opponents as well as threading through balls in between defenders.
During a clash with the Sporting under-19s side in November, there were occasions where he sprinted at full speed to close down the opposition goalkeeper.
And he habitually evades challenges thanks to his agility and strength on the ball.
Arsenal youngster Max Dowman could be named on the bench for the Gunners first team this season (Image: GETTY)
Dowman, who celebrated his 15th birthday on December 31, has been named in ’s squad for their .
And, according to the , Arteta could name him on the bench for a first team match before the end of the campaign.
chiefs are desperate to show their young stars that there is a pathway to the first team after a host of talented academy players were snapped up by rival clubs last summer.
The same publication have reported that multiple academies have been in touch with Dowman’s father to express their interest in the player.
And there wouldn’t be too many barriers preventing another club securing his signature before can officially tie him down on scholarship terms ahead of the 2026/27 season.
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Dowman was handed his under-18s debut in September 2023 at the age of 13 and then bagged four assists during the team’s 5-2 victory over Fulham six months later.
And after the clash with Fulham, former under-18s boss Jack Wilshere explained: “There’s always a concern when fielding such a young player in these matches, but if you’re good enough you’re old enough.
“Hopefully, we can fast-track him and when he goes over to the first team he’ll be more ready.
“Debut opportunities aren’t handed out lightly, and Max has demonstrated over the past few months that he deserves this chance. He handled the moment admirably.”