Arsenal have a new star on their hands in Max Dowman, the 15-year-old midfielder who is lighting up their preseason tour.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been busy this summer, bringing in six new signings, including striker Viktor Gyokeres, to boost their Premier League title hopes.

However, it’s one of the two 15-year-old academy players on their pre-season tour of Asia who has captured everyone’s attention. Max Dowman and Marli Salmon are the two youngest players in the squad, but Dowman has shown in friendlies against AC Milan and Newcastle exactly why there’s so much excitement about his potential.

The 15-year-old attacking midfielder has been impressing Arteta with his skills and vision on the pitch. 

Having first trained with the first team when he was just 14, Dowman was part of the senior squad that travelled to Dubai in January for their winter training camp. There was even talk about him getting a call-up to the side following an injury crisis, with key forwards Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Jesus all sidelined at various times due to injury.

Dowman replaced England international Saka in both pre-season friendlies, and while he showed moments of skill in the AC Milan match, it was his performance against Newcastle that really showcased his talent. A delightful dribble into the area, which ended with him being fouled by Joelinton for a penalty, was one of the standout moments of the game.

Arteta was impressed, saying, “It’s special… We are extremely happy to have him.”

The environment around Dowman has clearly played a significant role in his development. His family and the people at the club and academy have been super helpful, putting him in a position to succeed early in his journey. Arteta praised the youngster, highlighting the importance of the support system around him.

Dowman’s performance against Newcastle was a glimpse into his potential, and it’s no surprise that he’s being tipped for a Premier League debut this season. With his talent and the opportunity to play with some of the best players in the world, Dowman could become a key player for Arsenal in the future.

As one of the most promising young players in the Arsenal academy, Dowman will be one to watch out for next season. His impressive display against Newcastle has shown that he’s ready to take on bigger challenges, and it will be exciting to see how he develops in the coming months.

With the right guidance and opportunities, Dowman has the potential to become a star player for Arsenal. Arteta’s praise and the club’s commitment to developing young talent are a great sign for Dowman’s future.

As the new season approaches, Arsenal fans will be eager to see more of Dowman and how he fits into the team’s plans.