nonewthingAI
2024-12-03 12:05:27
Mail Sport understands that multiple Premier League academies have approached Dowman’s father to register their interest his son. They are all eagerly monitoring his next steps, with 16 the minimum age for a player to sign a scholarship. The earliest point Arsenal can officially sign Dowman to scholarship terms is ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Up until then, luring him away wouldn’t be too tricky in terms of practicalities. He turns 15 on December 31, making next year all the more crucial for his future.
Arteta handed Ethan Nwaneri his league debut against Brentford in September 2022, making him the youngest player in the competition’s history at 15 years and 181 days.
It’s understood that Arteta is open to the idea of having Dowman on the first-team bench for a game before the season ends. The Arsenal hierarchy are keen to show upcoming talent there is a pathway to the first team after a summer exodus.
The likes of Amario Cozier-Duberry, Lino Sousa and Reuell Walters left for Brighton, Aston Villa and Luton Town during the summer, but the departure which hurt most was that of Chido Obi-Martin.
The then 16-year-old had broken a slew of records, but the striker opted to join Manchester United despite the Gunners’ best efforts to keep him.
Unsurprisingly, Arsenal don’t want a repeat of this.
There are clear similarities between Dowman and Gunners captain Martin Odegaard in terms of playing style.