Mikel Arteta revealed 5 ‘Unbelievable’ Reason why Max Dowman is Not Allowed in Arsenal’s Dressing Room

Arsenal fans have been buzzing with excitement this summer over the emergence of teenage sensation Max Dowman, but Mikel Arteta has now shed light on an unexpected obstacle the 15-year-old will face in his journey to the top — he won’t be allowed in the first-team dressing room.

Dowman has captured the imagination of Gooners during Arsenal’s pre-season campaign, turning heads with mature performances beyond his years. His brief appearance against AC Milan showcased flashes of brilliance, but it was his display versus Newcastle United that made headlines. Dowman won a penalty after being fouled by none other than Joelinton, a seasoned Premier League player who struggled to cope with the teenager’s quick feet and composure.

Despite his evident talent and calls from fans and pundits for a fast-tracked promotion to the senior squad, there’s a surprising technicality standing in Dowman’s way. According to Arteta, safeguarding regulations mean the young prodigy cannot share the same dressing room as his senior teammates — a rule not based on footballing ability, but on age and child protection policies.

The situation may sound bizarre to some, but it’s not the first time Arsenal have encountered this issue. Ethan Nwaneri, another Hale End graduate, experienced the same restrictions until he turned 18 earlier this year. Despite making his senior debut at just 15, Nwaneri had to get changed separately from his teammates on matchdays, creating a strange and somewhat isolating scenario for such a young professional.

Speaking candidly about the challenge, Arteta described the setup as “unbelievable,” admitting that even on game days, Nwaneri would have to prepare in a different area due to legal obligations. “He needs to get dressed somewhere else, even on matchday,” the Arsenal boss explained. “So to have someone close to him that has that trust and that confidence, they’re lucky to have each other, I think.”

Now, Dowman finds himself in a similar position. Even if Arteta includes him in the matchday squad for Premier League or cup games this coming season, the teenager will still be required to change separately from the team. Unless the club receives special dispensation — which is highly unlikely due to the nature of child safeguarding regulations — Dowman will not be allowed in the senior dressing room until December 31, 2027, when he turns 18.

It’s an odd quirk of English football’s safeguarding rules, but one Arsenal have had to manage carefully. The club prides itself on its academy system, and with players like Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, and more recently, Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly making the leap to the first team, the Gunners are clearly doing something right.

For Dowman, the challenge will be psychological as much as it is physical. Being kept apart from teammates on matchdays might impact his feeling of integration within the squad. However, Arsenal’s coaching staff are experienced in handling these transitions, and the strong mentorship within the club could make all the difference.

What’s even more impressive is Dowman’s maturity in handling the spotlight. At just 15, he’s already facing aggressive challenges from senior players — like Joelinton’s rash foul — and still manages to keep his composure. His quick rise through the youth ranks and his fearless playstyle suggest that he’s not just another fleeting wonderkid, but someone who could genuinely anchor Arsenal’s midfield in the years to come.

Still, the road ahead is long. The restrictions in place highlight just how young Dowman truly is, and while his technical abilities might already be senior-level, his off-pitch journey will require patience, discipline, and emotional support. Arteta and the Arsenal backroom staff will be key to ensuring that the player continues to develop in a nurturing, balanced environment.

Ultimately, the story of Max Dowman is not just about dazzling performances or early hype — it’s also a poignant reminder of the complexities involved in youth development at the highest level. While fans might be eager to see him fast-tracked, the reality is that certain rules are in place for a reason, even if they seem “unbelievable” to many.

For now, Arsenal supporters will have to enjoy Dowman’s talents from a distance, knowing that behind the scenes, the club is doing all it can to protect and prepare one of its brightest stars for the long haul. The future may be bright, but it will take time, patience, and plenty of dressing room detours before Dowman fully arrives.