Arsenal kickstarted their preseason campaign with a 1-0 victory over AC Milan on July 23 in Singapore as Bukayo Saka netted a late winner.
Following the final whistle, teams lined up for a penalty shootout - which has become the norm in friendly matches - and it ended 6-5 in favour of AC Milan.
Arsenal fans will be delighted to see several of their summer signings in action for the first time, but one of the main highlights focused on a couple of 15-year-old players featuring - in Max Dowman and Marli Salmon.
Both players have impressed in Arsenal's youth set up and are now in the reckoning for a first-team breakthrough in 2025/26.
Dowman has been training with the first team since the start of the summer and has caught the eye of Mikel Arteta and his coaches.
The 15-year-old attacking midfielder underlined why he's so highly rated with his solid showing against Milan.
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Arteta introduced the teenager as a second-half substitute and he looked composed in possession down the Gunners right flank.
"I’m very happy with all the kids," said Mikel Arteta after the game.
"I think they are able to play at this level at 15 years old, in my opinion, because of the environment and the culture within the team.
"When somebody makes you feel so comfortable and confident straightaway, you can go and do it.
"At least it gives you the best chance - and then you have to have the qualities this kid has to deliver against opposition like this. It's incredible, how at 15 years old, they can perform at that level.”
Where could Dowman feature for Arsenal this season?
Dowman is one of the most talented players to come through the Arsenal academy under Arteta. At just 13, he became the youngest player to feature for Arsenal U18s.
Max Dowman vs AC Milan pic.twitter.com/P8dCxXR8Gs
— 👨🏽🦯➡️ (@user84848384) July 23, 2025
Only a year later, he graduated to the U21s alongside scoring goals for fun with the England U17s.
He finished last season with 19 goals and five assists in 23 games for Arsenal youth sides.
While he is predominantly an attacking midfielder, Arteta could look to deploy him in wide areas where he would find more space to express himself.
While Dowman is only taking his first few steps in senior football, he's been overwhelmingly impressive, and he will look to grow more under Arteta's tutelage.
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