Max Dowman ready to start ‘regularly’ for Arsenal: Mikel Arteta

Mikel Arteta said Max Dowman is ready to start “regularly” for Arsenal after the history-making teenage sensation pushed for a place in Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen.

Dowman starred as Arsenal beat Everton 2-0 on Saturday to move nine points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Aged just 16 years and 73 days, Dowman came off the bench to secure a crucial win for the Gunners when he crossed for Viktor Gyokeres to score the opener before scoring himself in stoppage time.

The midfield prodigy’s goal made him the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history and earned praise from Arteta, who must now decide whether to start him in the last 16 of the second leg against Leverkusen.

Asked if Dowman is ready to play regularly, Arteta told reporters on Monday: «Yes regularly. Depending on how you call regularly.»

«Depending on the match and how he reacts. I think his reaction was very positive and in relation to what we need in the match.»

‘To do what he did at such a moment is very rare, or almost impossible.

“He did it and now it’s football and what you did a few days ago is no longer relevant, it’s about the next one.”

READ ALSO: Dowman makes history as Arsenal moves closer to the title with victory over Everton

Gunners defender Riccardo Calafiori said Dowman, who is still studying for school exams, is already a popular figure in the Arsenal squad.

«The first time you see him on the field, you are quite curious about him. He is so young, but at the same time so mature on the field,» Calafiori said.

«He can improve so many things, but he is a talent, as you can see. But at the same time we have to leave him alone and not talk about him too much, because he has everything.»

“We certainly try to give him some advice, but at the moment he is doing well, even without our advice.”

Arsenal drew the first leg against Leverkusen 1-1 in Germany thanks to a late penalty from Kai Havertz kshp.

North London are heavy favorites to leave the Bundesliga but Arteta warned against complacency.

«We know what we have to do and put all the energy back into the world for our audience, with our people. Hopefully we will do it,» he said.

Arteta also revealed that Martin Odegaard could be fit to lead Arsenal to Sunday’s League Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley.

Odegaard has been sidelined since the 4-1 win over Tottenham on February 22 due to a knee injury.

The Norwegian midfielder wants to be available for Arsenal’s bid to win their first major trophy since the FA Cup in 2020.

«We are really pushing him. He really wants to try to be available, but we will have to wait and see how he feels in the coming days when he trains with the team,» Arteta said.

“We know the game we are going to play again in a few days and the more players we have, the better.”

Published on March 16, 2026