Dowman has been training with Arsenal’s first-team squad since he was 14 – joining the first team for a Dubai warm-weather camp in January 2024.
Supporters were already calling for the Englishman to get his chance in the second half of last season as Arteta lacked attacking options following injuries to several key players.
Dowman is no stranger to setting records, having become the youngest scorer in the Under-17s European Championship when representing England in May.
Last month, he also became the youngest goalscorer for England Under-19s.
So it’s no surprise he has emerged as part of Arteta’s plans this term as the Gunners compete for success on four fronts.
Having a player with so much promise competing in senior football means Arsenal have put measures in place both for his career progression and safeguarding.
These include where he gets changed, a strong focus on his education and also making sure a boy in an adult team environment is well supported by his team-mates.
Arteta and the club have been cautious about how they manage Dowman’s progress.
After his debut in a 5-0 win against Leeds on 23 August, Arteta said they have been gathering information on how he reacts to certain situations, whether that was being on the bench, training with the first team or not being named in the squad at all.
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