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armory Owner mikel arteta He believes it would be “blind” to ignore the talent of 15-year-old winger Max Dauman.
The schoolboy looks ready for a first-team performance with the Gunners during Wednesday evening Carabao Cup The fourth round tie at home to Brighton after being left out of the club’s Under-21 squad at the weekend.
Dowman last featured for the senior team on 24 September in a 2–0 third round win at Port Vale. Premier League Cameos in the 5-0 win over Leeds and 1-0 defeat to Liverpool last month.
Arteta is keen to strike the right balance as he looks to aid the teenager’s ongoing development.
“If we looked at his passport every day we would never be able to play him,” Arteta said. “But when you see what he does in training you have to play him – if not you are blind, or I am blind.
“So it’s finding a balance, an understanding, especially the weight, of the things that are changing in his life, and making sure he can cope with it. So far he has done that.
“He’s 15 years old, still growing, we have to keep a lot of things under control to make sure he develops the way he can.”
At the age of 15 years and 234 days, Dowman became the second youngest player to represent the club behind teammate Ethan Nwaneri when he impressed from the bench against Leeds.
Arsenal reached an agreement last week to sign scholarship terms for the England Under-19 international, who will start next season.
Dowman could pre-agreed a professional contract with the Premier League leaders, which will take effect when he turns 17, with Arteta keen to keep him at the Emirates Stadium for the long term.
“We all want this and I think he wants it too, after that it is more for Andrea (Berta, sporting director) and the club,” said Arteta, who is ready to rotate his team against the Seagulls.
“But what I feel is that he really loves it here. He’s a big Arsenal supporter and his family are also really happy with the way things are developing around him.
“Hopefully he’ll be with us for many years. Everything I’ve heard from the player and the family has been very positive.”
Defender William Saliba and forward Gabriel Martinelli have brighton were eliminated from the game After suffering the injury during Sunday’s 1-0 top-flight win over Crystal Palace.
Riccardo Calafiori, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka will be available.
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