Arsenal: Mikel Arteta confirms first-team plan for 15-year-old star Max Dowman | OneFootball

Much is expected from the 15-year-old after impressing in the youth teams

On the rise: Max Dowman

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Mikel Arteta has revealed Max Dowman will be part of Arsenal’s pre-season preparations this summer.

The midfielder scored 19 goals and chipped in five with assists during 23 games in all competitions for Arsenal’s youth teams this season.

Dowman was in sparkling form for Arsenal’s Under-18s towards the end of the current campaign, scoring 14 goals and providing three assists in his final seven games for them.

The 15-year-old is currently away with England’s Under-17 side at the European Championships, but Arteta expects him to be around Arsenal’s first team squad during pre-season.

Max Dowman and Mikel Arteta

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

The Gunners are heading on tour to Singapore and Hong Kong, where they will play games against AC Milan, Newcastle and Tottenham.

“I think Max, probably, will be in and around the pre-season,” said Arteta. “Obviously he’s got a very busy schedule as well in the summer, because he is in a tournament at the moment and he’s going to need some rest.

“And we will pick another few from the academy as well to be in and around the team and hopefully get a nice, beautiful surprise again.”

Arteta had great success with blooding young players this season as both Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly shone.

We will sit down with all the staff and review a lot of things, and from there some others will emerge

Mikel Arteta's close-season plans

The pair have excelled and been one of Arsenal’s major positives this season - and Arteta will review the campaign during the summer break.

“We will sit down with all the staff and review a lot of things,” said Arteta. “And from there some others will emerge.

“The way we are looking at the squad, the things we have done, whatever phase of play it is, the way we want to change games or prepare matches or meetings or our messages.

“All this has to evolve. What we have this season, we will close it, learn from it and then it will be a new one.

“And then there is an element that you have to feel. The temperature, what is needed, what the group needs right now and go from there. So we will be planning and then follow your instinct, your gut and what the team needs in that moment.”