Expert warns Martin Odegaard about his Arsenal role after Max Dowman claim
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(Credit: Imago) Thu 19 March 2026 19:30, UK Martin Odegaard has been warned he must keep up his performances for Arsenal following the emergence of Max Dowman into the first-team plans.The 16-year-old is putting pressure on his senior teammates over their positions and could soon break into the side if any performances drop.Forer Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Dowman’s rapid progress must be correctly managed, but he is proving his worth already.Meanwhile, Odegaard has been subject to interest from the likes of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain and could be tempted to move on in the near future.While there is no immediate feeling that Dowman could oust the likes of Odegaard or Bukayo Saka, his emergence may alter Arsenal’s transfer plans. 🔄 Arsenal Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on deals in progress, signings, departures, and contract news from the Emirates boardroom. VISIT THE ARSENAL TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Martin Odegaard warned about Max Dowman emergenceBrown told Football Insider on 18 March that Arsenal must be careful with Dowman’s development to ensure he continues his rise to stardom.Dowman scored a late goal as Arsenal beat Everton 2-0 and remains in and around the first-team squad, having now established himself.Max DowmanArsenal StatsAppearances (Starts)7 (2)Minutes Played236Goals1Assists1Max Dowman’s Arsenal stats in the 2025-26 season.
(via Transfermarkt)His push for more regular minutes has put pressure on teammates including Odegaard, despite the teenager having been used as a winger more often this season.“Max Dowman is going to put pressure on his teammates,” Brown told Football Insider.“When you have a player like that coming through, with the talent he has and the performances he’s put in when called upon, it’s going to be interesting.“He will want to keep proving himself and keeping being part of that first-team picture.“The problem he has is, when everybody’s fit, he’s competing with players like Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka, and he’s not going to get them out of the side.Metric (2025/26 Season)Martin Odegaard (Capt)Max Dowman (Wonderkid)Eberechi Eze (Key man)Games Missed (Injury)214 (Ankle)2G/A Per 900.620.780.68Key Passes Per 903.42.12.9Contract Expiry20282029 (Scholar)2029Transfer StatusBarca/PSG Target“Untouchable”Key Squad Player“But if somebody like Odegaard has a downturn in his performances, that pressure is now there.“He’s been injured for a lot of the season which has given chances to other players and Dowman will be looking to capitalise on that.“Plus, he’s being linked with a move away, and maybe that’s something Arsenal could be open to.“Like I’ve said, Arsenal need to be careful with Dowman’s development and make sure they’re making the right decisions for him, but his teammates need to keep up their form.”How do Arsenal feel about letting Odegaard leave?The pressure being applied by Dowman to the Arsenal first-team comes amid growing interest in Odegaard’s signature a feeling he could soon move on.Football Insider previously revealed that Arsenal will deter any bids for Odegaard this summer as he remains a key part of Mikel Arteta’s plans.Credit: Breaking MediaHowever, the captain has missed 21 games through injury this season, and his lack of availability is starting to become a concern at the Emirates.The emergence of both Eberechi Eze and Dowman as alternative attacking midfield options has also cast doubt over his long-term place in the side.While there are no immediate plans to let him leave the club this summer, Arsenal could be tempted to let him go and open the door to their other star players. 💰 ARSENAL INSIDER UPDATE 💰 Inside the transfer budget, player wages, new kits, off-pitch deals and boardroom developments at Emirates Stadium. Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the Emirates Stadium.