Paul Merson has drawn attention to one player set to break through into Arsenal’s first team next season.
The Arsenal icon has been discussing his former club amid Andrea Berta’s rapid start to the month in the transfer window.
Merson has called on Arsenal to pursue Eberechi Eze this summer, with the Crystal Palace star thought to be a ‘perfect’ fit for Mikel Arteta.
Aside from commenting on who the Gunners should sign, the pundit has passed comment on those that the North Londoners should avoid.
Paul Merson has high hopes for Arsenal starlet Max Dowman
In the coming days, it’s expected that Viktor Gyokeres, Cristhian Mosquera and Noni Madueke will complete Arsenal medicals.
A lot of Merson’s talk about Arsenal’s business was on Madueke, who is set to complete a £52m move from Chelsea.
Merson is concerned about Bukayo Saka’s future as a result of links to Madueke, but that’s not the only reason why the pundit is against the winger’s transfer.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Merson admitted that he doesn’t ‘get’ why Arsenal are spending north of £50m on a player who could disrupt those already hunting for game time.
“£52m is a lot of money for a backup player, in this day and age,” Merson said.
“There’s also Ethan Nwaneri coming through and getting first-team minutes. Everyone tells me how good he is.”
Aside from talking about Nwaneri, who is set to sign a new deal at Arsenal, Merson revealed what he’s hearing about Max Dowman around N5.
“There’s also a kid called Max Dowman coming through. I know he is a very young player, but the stories you hear about him and the clips you see, they are off the chart.
“That’s what I don’t get, unless they don’t fancy Nwaneri as a player.”
Dowman has a new squad number and is anticipated to take another step closer to the first team next term, but for now, he’s focused on making an impression over pre-season.
Max Dowman’s numbers in 2024/25
Merson has been charmed by Dowman’s ‘off the chart’ numbers, which is a fair assessment of the teenager’s rise.
During the 2024/25 campaign, the 15-year-old played way beyond his years with the U18s, as well as being tested at U21 level, showing just how highly rated he is.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 23 | 19 | 5 |
Last season was a statement from Dowman, who is already in talks about a new contract at Arsenal, with whom he can’t sign a professional deal until he is 17 in December 2026.
Just a glance at the youngster’s numbers last term tells part of the story, with the rest of his talking taking place on the pitch.
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