Arsenal
Arteta Commends Young Arsenal Talent Max Dowman After Milan Friendly
Mikel Arteta praises 15-year-old Max Dowman after strong showing against AC Milan in friendly.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed strong admiration for 15-year-old midfielder Max Dowman following his impressive appearance as a substitute in the friendly against AC Milan. Dowman, widely regarded as one of the top young talents in England and Europe, tallied 17 goals and 10 assists from midfield in 22 appearances last season for Arsenal’s Under-18 team. He has also debuted with the Under-21s and occasionally trained with the first team.
“I’m very happy with all the kids, I think they are able to play at that level, with 15 years old, in my opinion, because of the environment, and the culture that is within the team, and when somebody makes you feel so comfortable, so confident, straight away you can go and do it,” Arteta said. “Obviously it gives you the best chance, you have to have the qualities that this kid has.”
Despite growing calls from fans to promote Dowman to the senior squad permanently, Arteta clarified no decisions have been made regarding his immediate future. He emphasized the importance of youth players adapting to the physical demands of senior football, stating, “No, we don’t know, with all the young kids at the end, they are in and around the team constantly, and they are really used to the dynamics, the demands, and especially raising the physical levels.”
Arteta added, “The demands, and actually to be able to perform and impact the game at that level, it demands really, really high physical standards, and they are getting that, and that gives them another platform, and then they will have to earn it.”
Dowman shared the pitch with fellow 15-year-old defender Marli Salmon and academy player Josh Nichols, 18. Established academy graduates Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri also featured. Arteta praised the academy’s contribution, saying, “It’s very good. It’s a lot of work, in our academy, all the coaches, people involved, and it’s a moment to give opportunities, to reward them, and they certainly took the chance today, in difficult circumstances, against a very big team. It’s incredible how, at 15 years old, they can perform at that level.”
Arsenal
Viktor Gyökeres Embraces Challenge at Arsenal Wearing Iconic No. 14 Shirt
Viktor Gyökeres is eager to prove himself at Arsenal, wearing the iconic No. 14 shirt.
Viktor Gyökeres has expressed enthusiasm about proving his capabilities at Arsenal following his high-profile transfer from Sporting CP. The 27-year-old striker will don the legendary No. 14 jersey, previously worn by Thierry Henry, signaling high expectations among the Arsenal faithful.
In his first interview with the club’s media, Gyökeres emphasized his eagerness to score goals, stating, “I always want to score. To be a part of this club and to score in this kit and with this badge in front of all the supporters, I can’t wait. It will be an amazing feeling.” Reflecting on his career progression since first stepping onto English soil, he noted, “I started here [in England], it feels like a long time ago. I think I’ve improved a lot since then. Now I want to prove myself for real and perform together with the team.”
Gyökeres, who netted 54 goals across all competitions in the 2024–25 season, credited Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta as significant influences in his decision. He remarked on Arsenal’s strong squad and rich history as major draws, saying, “When I was playing against Arsenal last season, I could really feel it was a very strong team and very difficult to play against. That made me choose Arsenal, and of course all the history the club has and the massive fanbase. It’s been amazing to see all the support that they have already given me before I even arrived. That’s what it’s all about. It’s going to be very nice to see them in the stadiums as well.”
Gyökeres also reflected on his international success and Champions League experience, expressing confidence about his ability to perform at the highest levels with Arsenal: “It’s a big honour to play for your country, and then to score goals for them is amazing. When I played at Sporting, I scored a few goals in the Champions League so I feel that I can be on that level as well. Now to come here to a club on Arsenal’s level, I think it’s going to help me perform even better with all the amazing players in this team. I’m really excited to get going.”
Arsenal
Arsenal Secure Viktor Gyökeres as Key Forward Ahead of Pre-Season Asia Tour
Arsenal have signed striker Viktor Gyökeres, who will join the squad for their Asia pre-season tour.
Arsenal have confirmed the signing of striker Viktor Gyökeres, marking him as a standout acquisition in this transfer window. Gyökeres, who will don the No. 14 jersey, is set to join Arsenal’s squad on their pre-season tour in Asia. The striker’s recent form at Sporting was exceptional, registering 39 goals in Liga Portugal and contributing to their league title victory. Notably, Gyökeres earned international attention following a Champions League hat-trick against Manchester City.
Sporting Director Andrea Berta commented, “We are so pleased with the excellent deal we have completed to bring Viktor Gyökeres to the club. Viktor is an exceptional talent and has consistently demonstrated he has the qualities and winning mentality required of a top-level centre-forward. His physicality, intelligence and work ethic make him a perfect fit for our vision.”
Manager Mikel Arteta added, “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Viktor Gyökeres to the club. The consistency he has shown in his performances and availability have been outstanding, and his goal contributions speak for themselves.”
Arteta further described Gyökeres as “a quick and powerful presence up front, with incredible goalscoring numbers at club and international levels. He brings a clinical edge with a high conversion rate of chances into goals, with his intelligent movement in the box making him a constant threat.”
Gyökeres follows the recent signing of Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia, joining new additions Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Christian Nørgaard as Arsenal strengthens its ranks this summer. Gyökeres could make his debut on July 31 against Tottenham Hotspur in a pre-season friendly.
Arsenal
Dominic Solanke Doubts Manchester United’s Top Four Prospects for 2025–26
Dominic Solanke predicts Manchester United will miss out on the Premier League top four in 2025–26.
Tottenham Hotspur striker Dominic Solanke has expressed skepticism over Manchester United’s chances of securing a top-four finish in the Premier League for the 2025–26 season. Speaking on DA4P’s YouTube channel, Solanke provided his predictions for the teams likely to qualify for the Champions League spots.
Solanke confidently included Tottenham first in his top-four forecast, followed by Liverpool and Manchester City. When questioned about Manchester United’s potential to challenge for a Champions League position next term, Solanke simply replied, “nah,” instead opting to include Arsenal as a contender.
This blunt verdict reflects the ongoing struggles faced by the Red Devils, who endured a difficult previous season. While Solanke’s confidence in Tottenham’s qualification might raise some eyebrows—given their 17th-place finish last season—his assessment of Manchester United aligns with widespread doubts about their immediate recovery under Ruben Amorim’s management.
Solanke’s straightforward response underlines the challenges ahead for Manchester United, suggesting the club faces another challenging campaign outside Europe’s elite competition.
