Arteta reveals Arsenal’s wonderkid plan but transfer talk dismissed | OneFootball

Arteta outlines Arsenal’s long-term plan for teenage prodigy Max Dowman

Arteta’s calm assurance over Dowman’s future

In a footballing world where young talents can be easily tempted by lucrative offers elsewhere, Mikel Arteta’s confidence in Max Dowman’s commitment to Arsenal feels refreshingly grounded. The 15-year-old has already captured attention with his technical maturity and intelligence on the pitch, yet his manager remains composed about speculation surrounding his future.

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Dowman has agreed to sign scholarship terms with Arsenal at the end of the current season, although he cannot sign a professional contract until he turns 17 in December next year. This gap leaves room for interest from rival clubs, but Arteta is untroubled.

“I don’t think about those things, because everything that I hear from the player and the family has been very positive,” said Arteta. “The feeling that I have is that, genuinely, he loves it here. He is a huge Arsenal supporter and his family are really happy with the way things are developing around him as well. Hopefully for many years he will be with us.”

That trust between club and player is central to Arsenal’s modern approach under Arteta, where safeguarding potential is treated with the same importance as winning results.

Development with discipline and purpose

Dowman’s rise has been carefully managed. Having trained with the first team since last year, he has already featured in three senior matches this season. His inclusion in the squad for the Carabao Cup tie against Brighton reflects the club’s willingness to expose him to top-level competition while still protecting his long-term development.

“If we looked at his passport every day we would never play him, simple as that,” Arteta admitted. “But when you look at what he does in training you have to play him, if not you are blind, or I’m blind.”

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Arteta’s point was clear: talent cannot always be contained by age. Yet the Arsenal manager remains mindful of the physical and emotional demands on such a young player.

Balancing progress and protection

Dowman’s footballing schedule already stretches across several levels. He has featured with the national team, juggled games between different age groups, and maintained regular involvement with Arsenal’s senior setup. Arteta highlighted the need for balance, saying, “It is finding an understanding, especially the load, the things that are changing in his life, and make sure he can cope with that. So far he has done that.”

The Spaniard added that Arsenal have a “bespoke development plan” for the midfielder, ensuring he progresses without burnout. “He has a lot of exposure in training with us, too. We really have to manage his load. He is 15 years old, still growing, a lot of things we have to make sure are under control to make sure he develops in the way he can do.”

Arsenal’s vision for the next generation

In many ways, Dowman’s emergence symbolises the rejuvenation of Arsenal’s academy identity. Under Arteta, young players are not only encouraged but expected to thrive within a culture of patience, precision, and purpose.

Photo: IMAGO

The measured confidence with which Arteta speaks of Dowman reflects a broader club philosophy: that development, when guided correctly, can shape the future as profoundly as any transfer deal. For Arsenal, the focus is not simply on protecting an asset, but nurturing a player who could define a new era in North London.