'Let’s see' - Mikel Arteta reveals Arsenal's plans for 15-year-old Max Dowman after teenager wows fans with sparkling pre-season performances

On Wednesday evening, Dowman once again proved his potential, making a strong impression after being introduced from the bench in Arsenal’s narrow 3-2 defeat to Villarreal. His most notable contribution came when he won a penalty following a clever run into the box, showcasing the kind of confidence and technique rarely seen in someone his age.

Dowman’s numbers back up the buzz. Against Villarreal, he made 27 touches, attempted 15 passes with 13 of them finding their mark and completed three of his eight dribble attempts, a healthy return for someone in a cameo role. He also won his second penalty of the summer during the Villarreal clash, having previously earned a spot-kick against Newcastle earlier in pre-season.

When asked about Dowman’s chances of appearing in the Premier League, Arteta said: "Let’s see how it goes. Let’s go into Saturday, into the break as well. He needs a little break as well, because he hasn’t had any holidays, really. So, in the next few days, he’s going to have a break, which I think he needs. And then, following the week, he’ll be ready again to go.

"He continues to impress, without a doubt. The impact he had in the game again today, the efficiency that he shows in every attacking action, it’s incredible. Again, he deserves to have chances, and if he continues like this, let’s see what happens. I think the reaction [of his team-mates] is very clear. They have the ball and they give it to him! So, that tells you how much they trust him and I think the relationship he’s building within the team. So, I think nothing better than that. The confidence they show to make things happen, and the constant connection that they have with him."

Dowman joins the ranks of emerging Hale End graduates like Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly. While Arteta appears cautious about pushing Dowman too quickly, the talent is undeniable.

"With Max it’s been so fast. Even last year when he was training with us, he was doing this kind of thing in training and now he’s doing it in the game consistently," he added. "So the three or four games that he’s played, he’s managed to impact and have big moments in the game. Great.”

With Saturday’s final pre-season encounter against Athletic Club likely to proceed without Dowman, the focus now turns to August 17, when Arsenal travel to Old Trafford for a blockbuster clash with Manchester United to kick off their Premier League campaign. Given his trajectory, few would be surprised if his name appears on the team sheet at Old Trafford.