Arsenal have 'special' star who could help Tottenham after Morgan Gibbs-White failure

Tottenham will be hoping that Max Dowman's sudden emergence at Arsenal will give them a free run at Eberechi Eze this summer. Dowman's dazzling runs bewildered Newcastle in their latest friendly and left Mikel Arteta hailing a 'special' talent.

Despite being 15 and a year away from completing his GCSEs, Dowman seems set to feature in Arsenal's first team next season. Jinxing and weaving his way past Newcastle defenders on Sunday, the attacking midfielder ultimately produced the match-winning moment in Arsenal's 3-2 triumph. He dummied his way around Matt Targett before driving at goal, only to be brought down by Joelinton. Martin Odegaard scored the resulting penalty.

Arteta hinted that the schoolboy, who played more than 20 minutes on the right of the attack, will get chances in his senior squad next season. His emergence, plus the prospect of Ethan Nwaneri seeing more action and Noni Madueke's arrival, will surely leave Arsenal wondering whether a £60million move for Crystal Palace star Eze is worth the fuss.

Spurs will be intrigued by the possibility that their North London rivals might decide against pursuing the England international. They themselves missed out on Morgan Gibbs-White, who has decided to sign a new contract with Nottingham Forest. Thomas Frank has been linked with Eze and could now decide to make an approach, particularly if Arsenal opt to place their trust in Dowman instead.

The academy graduate's ability has been an open secret for some time, despite Arsenal trying to keep him out of the limelight. There is no way the Gunners can keep Dowman quiet anymore.

"It is special what he's done today against this team in the time that he had on the pitch. It is something certainly not common to witness for a 15-year-old. We are extremely happy to have him," the usually diplomatic and reticent Arteta said about Dowman's performance.

"The environment that is around him, his family, the people at the club and academy are super helpful because they put him in this position so early in his journey, having a real chance and a real presence when he plays for the first team."

Arsenal will be determined to keep their prized asset's feet on the ground. Dowman is likely to feature predominantly for the club's Under-18 and U21 sides next season, but there is every possibility that he will make his competitive senior debut. It remains to be seen whether his seamless adaptation to men's football this summer will impact Arsenal's transfer plans.