Arsenal are desperate to claim some silverware this season and begin their FA Cup campaign with a tough fixture against rivals Manchester United.
Mikel Arteta has been looking to strengthen his side’s attacking options but are hitting some stumbling blocks in their pursuit of Nico Williams.
The injury to Bukayo Saka has left Arsenal somewhat short in attacking areas. Ethan Nwaneri is also out for a couple of weeks and Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard continue to struggle for form.
Raheem Sterling could be set for a rare opportunity against Manchester United but it is an Arsenal academy prospect that is really exciting fans ahead of a potential moment of history in the FA Cup tie.
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Max Dowman eligible for FA Cup but not Premier League this season
Max Dowman is one name in the Arsenal academy who has been exciting fans about his future prospects. Dowman has been compared to ‘Kaka’ in his playing style.
Arteta is known to rotate his side during the FA Cup and Max Dowman could become Arsenal’s youngest ever player should he make an appearance against Manchester United. Dowman would also become the FA Cup’s youngest ever player breaking the record set in November by Salford City’s Marshall Heys.
However, a bizarre FA ruling means that players under the age of 16 can play in the FA Cup if they are registered correctly and a letter of consent has been provided by the player’s parent or guardian and school.
Yet, this is not the case for the Premier League, no player below the under-16 age group is allowed to be named in a matchday squad. Dowman would have needed to have been 15 by August 31st 2024 in order to be eligible.
It means that despite growing excitement, Arsenal fans will have to wait until the start of the 25-26 season at the earliest to see Dowman grace a Premier League fixture.
Max Dowman pictured in first team training ahead of FA Cup clash with Manchester United
It seems that boss Arteta could be considering taking advantage of the eligibility of the Arsenal youngster Dowman in the FA Cup.
The 15-year-old creative talent can play in the number ten role or out wide and has been spotted in first team training ahead of the Manchester United showdown.
Dowman has already made ten appearances for the Arsenal under-18 side this season, scoring once and contributing two assists during his time there.
Should Arsenal’s creative issues continue against the Red Devils, we could be set to witness some Gunners history with Max Dowman coming to the rescue.
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