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14-year-old Arsenal wonderkid trains with first team ahead of Chelsea clash

amie wilson
·2-min read
Max Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal during a training session at Sobha Realty Training Centre.
-Credit: (Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)


Arsenal are stepping up their preparations for Sunday’s Premier League clash against Chelsea as Mikel Arteta puts his squad through their paces in the final training session before the match.

The Gunners will be looking to get back to winning ways and close the gap at the top of the table. Standing in their way is Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea, who have had a positive start to the season under the Italian head coach.

The likes of Martin Odegaard, William Saliba and Gabriel have been pictured taking part in Arsenal training ahead of the match at Stamford Bridge. But pictures released by Arsenal also show a wonderkid who has been training with Arteta’s squad.

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Spotted in the pictures is 14-year-old attacking midfielder Max Dowman. The teenager has been a regular in Arsenal’s U18 squad, providing assists in back-to-back 3-3 draws against West Brom and Southampton.

Despite his age, he is also an England U17 international after making his debut for the age group back in September. He has provided three assists for the Young Lions in six appearances.

His inclusion in training shows how highly rated the teenager is at the Emirates Stadium. He will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of fellow academy graduate Ethan Nwaneri.

The 17-year-old has broken into the first team picture at Arsenal this season, making eight appearances in all competitions. He has caught the eye with three goals in two League Cup appearances, including a brace against Bolton in the third round of the competition.

While Dowman is not likely to make the matchday squad for the clash against Chelsea, the chance to train with the first team at such a young age in the build-up to the game will be valuable in the player’s development. Arsenal fans will be hoping to hear his name a lot more in future seasons.