Overview
- Dowman is expected to be included in Arsenal’s Carabao Cup squad against Brighton after he was left out of the under-21s at the weekend.
- Mikel Arteta said he would be “blind” not to select Dowman given his training level, while stressing strict load management for a player juggling youth, national-team and senior duties.
- Arsenal have agreed scholarship terms to begin when Dowman turns 16 on Dec. 31, with FIFA rules preventing a professional contract until he is 17.
- Arteta downplayed fears of rival poaching and said the player and his family are happy at Arsenal, with sources also suggesting Dowman views his future at the club.
- The teenager has already made three senior appearances this season and became Arsenal’s second-youngest player at 15 years and 234 days; for Brighton, William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli are out, while Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori and Bukayo Saka are available.