Mikel Arteta says one player at Arsenal has shocked everyone this summer, ‘nobody expected it’

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Mikel Arteta has revealed that one Arsenal player has surprised him over the summer.

The Gunners were busy in the transfer market, adding six players to bolster Arteta’s ranks, with the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke and Martin Zubimendi all signing.

The North Londoners then endured something of a turbulent pre-season, which included victories over AC Milan and Newcastle, but defeats to Tottenham and Villarreal.

However, Arsenal ended their preparations for the new campaign with a 3-0 win over Athletic Club – a game in which Zubimendi and Gyokeres impressed.

These two new signings weren’t the only players to catch Arteta’s eye in the off-season.

• READ MORE: Confirmed Arsenal summer 2025 transfer ins and outs, signings and done deals

Mikel Arteta says Max Dowman shocked him this summer

Max Dowman was granted his Arsenal debut in pre-season, coming off the bench against AC Milan in Singapore.

Catching the eye in his short cameo against the Italian giants, Dowman was even more impressive against Newcastle in his second outing.

The 15-year-old shocked the Gunners faithful with his maturity and composure on the ball, and Arteta has revealed that he was equally surprised by the starlet’s displays.

Asked on the Men in Blazers podcast how much Dowman could play next season, Arteta was coy on this, but did sing the player’s praises.

“I don’t know,” Arteta said.

“We don’t know the ceiling. We didn’t know how he would react to this environment.

“And he did it in a way that probably nobody expected it. But again, it’s about the personality. And when you look at him, and when you throw in the training sessions and then how he is around the boys, he just glides and is one of them immediately.

“And that’s what he does with the ball. I mean, physically, the demands that those players have to go through is incredible. So at 15, is he mature enough to do that?

“The answer is he’s done it. He’s done it in a really convincing way against Milan. He’s done it against Newcastle.

“So he has a unique ability, and we need to respect that. And we need to be conscious of the age that he’s got. But at the same time, let him enjoy and fulfill his potential.”

Arsenal Insider revealed earlier this month that Dowman isn’t expected to play regularly for Arsenal this season, although, judging by Arteta’s comments on the player, this may not be the case.

Max Dowman’s pre-season statistics are outstanding

Dowman’s performances in pre-season were nothing short of remarkable for a player of his age.

Constantly looking to make an impact, senior Arsenal players consistently fed him the ball out wide.

The youngster completed six dribbles in his 95 minutes on the pitch, a rate which would make him the most prolific dribbler in world football if he was able to sustain this over a large sample.

Also taking five shots and completing 88% of his passes, Dowman was not only a goal threat, but also retained possession despite trying risky things consistently.

It remains to be seen whether Arteta chooses to thrust him into the limelight of a competitive first team match this season, but he’s certainly already demonstrated that he’s probably capable.