Mikel Arteta suggests that 15-year-old academy star could rival Martin Odegaard for starting spot next season after Arsenal captain’s dip in form

Mikel Arteta suggested that 15-year-old wonderkid Max Dowman is in his Arsenal squad plans for next season and could compete with Martin Odegaard for the attacking midfield spot.

Dowman has long been touted as the Gunners’ next big star to breakthrough from the academy after skipping age groups for fun and being heavily involved in first team training in this campaign.

In December, the teenager became the youngest-ever Arsenal player to play for the Under 21s, coming off the bench to face Brighton aged just 14. Just recently he scored 10 goals in his last four games for the Under 18s.

It follows Dowman training with the first-team squad on a regular basis and being brought on the club’s mid-season warm weather training camp in Dubai in February.

Odegaard has faced much scrutiny of late after a dip in performance, his ankle injury sustained in September a potential contributing factor.

Ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League match against Bournemouth on Saturday, Arteta said: ‘We have a lot of options there (in attacking midfield). 

Martin Odegaard has faced scrutiny after a dip in performance, his ankle injury a potential factor

Mikel Arteta suggested the 15-year-old is in his Arsenal squad plans for next season

‘I mean, (Mikel) Merino can play in that position, Declan (Rice), we have Ethan (Nwaneri) there, that is his main position. 

‘We have players that can play in that position, we have Max (Dowman) coming up as well, as you know, very soon as well. So I think we are good in that position.’

On whether Dowman is being factored into plans for next season’s squad, Arteta added: ‘For the near future, yeah. 

‘Let’s see how this evolves but we certainly got a big, big talent there.’