Max Dowman’s early pre-season return hints at true Arsenal plan under Mikel Arteta this season

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Max Dowman is preparing for a huge season ahead, with the Arsenal academy youngster expected to be part of the first-team setup.

The 15-year-old has been on Mikel Arteta’s radar for some time, having shown plenty of potential in the Hale End academy.

Dowman has been involved in senior training over the past season, while his impressive performances in the academy have made him one of the most promising young talents in the country.

There’s still plenty of work to do, but there is an expectation that Dowman will be on the pre-season tour to Asia, taking that next big step for Arsenal.

While that may be coming up, his recent return to action at London Colney could hint at the current plans for the coming season.

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Max Dowman makes early return to Arsenal pre-season with under-18s

Max Dowman has made his return to London Colney early for pre-season, preparing for the upcoming campaign with Arsenal.

The Arsenal academy star is expected to be part of the senior team for Arteta, but the return may have hinted at his actual place in the squad.

Max Dowman has returned early because he is training with the under-18s as part of Adam Birchall’s pre-season camp.

While Arsenal senior players aren’t back in pre-season training until next week, the youth ranks have looked to get a head start before their season starts.

While Dowman is expected to have a part to play for the first-team, his inclusion in the youth setup could hint that it will be where he plays most of his football in the next year.

It remains to be seen whether that will change, which could happen over the tour of Asia, if he manages to impress.

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Max Dowman could be handed step up to the Arsenal under-21s

While there is plenty of talk surrounding the steps Dowman could take into the first-team at Arsenal, there has been a relative skipping of his place in the under-21s.

The attacking midfielder has largely played under-18s football so far, making just one appearance at the next level up.

Given the huge step to men’s football, it could be that Dowman’s future is in the under-21s, with the occasional first-team appearance.

Either way, it’s set to be a big few weeks and months ahead for the 15-year-old, who now has a chance to make a real impression.