Arsenal's great hope! Wonderkid Max Dowman joins up with Gunners first team for pre-season at 15 years old

Dowman, born in 2009, has been making waves at Arsenal’s Hale End academy. Though still a year away from being eligible to sign a professional contract, he cannot do so until 2026, his rapid development has brought him close to first-team recognition. It is suggested that Arteta sees Dowman as a genuine prospect capable of breaking through in the near future, and the pre-season training is a step in that direction.

Dowman ended the 2024-25 campaign with the Under-18s in spectacular fashion. The attacking midfielder notched 14 goals and added three assists in just his final seven matches of the season, a remarkable tally for a player his age. Whereas, representing England at the Under-17 European Championship, he contributed a goal and an assist during a 4-2 group-stage win over the Czech Republic.

Wednesday’s session at London Colney featured a mix of Arsenal regulars and returning players. Among those training alongside Dowman were Saka, Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, and William Saliba. Albert Sambi Lokonga was also present, as he looks to earn a place in Arteta’s plans following a loan spell.

Eight senior squad members were notably absent. Goalkeepers David Raya and Karl Hein, along with Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Jesus, and Reiss Nelson, were missing, the latter three due to ongoing injury issues. Meanwhile, Fabio Vieira and Ethan Nwaneri have been granted extended leave following their involvement in the Club World Cup and UEFA Under-21 European Championship, respectively.

With Arsenal’s flight to Asia not scheduled for another 10 days, the current window provides ample opportunity for Arteta to develop match fitness. Sources indicate that the club is considering organising a behind-closed-doors friendly in the coming days to ramp up preparations.

Once in Asia, the Gunners are set for a trio of high-profile friendlies. They will first face AC Milan at Singapore’s National Stadium on July 23, followed by a clash with Newcastle United at the same venue on July 27. The tour will conclude with a London derby against Tottenham Hotspur, set to take place at the new Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong on July 31.