Arsenal 'scrambling to meet Max Dowman demands' after first-team breakthrough

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Arsenal are struggling to keep up with the growing demand for Max Dowman shirts after his historic breakthrough. The Gunners academy graduate has enjoyed an eye-catching ascent into the first team.

The 16-year-old has made seven appearances for Arsenal this season in all competitions and became the youngest-ever goalscorer in Premier League history in the 2-0 win against Everton.

And that has seemingly sparked a rush of fans attempting to get their hands on a bit of Dowman merchandise. A number of fans have attempted to buy shirts with Dowman’s name on the back at the club shop.

Given his age, Arsenal do not have ready-made shirts, with staff having to make up his shirt with spare letters. Dowman is apparently not even an option on the wall of player names inside Arsenal’s ‘Armoury’ store at the Emirates.

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A club source quoted by The Sun said: “We’ve been blown away by the sudden demand for Max’s shirt but it’s great to see so many fans wanting his name on their shirt.”

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was full of praise for Dowman and his family following his record-breaking goal against Everton .

He said: “That's unique. To achieve what he's done in the context of the game which he's done it in as well, I think it makes it even more special.

“I'm really happy for him. I think he deserves it. His family, and all the people at Hale End have raised him in such an incredible way. One thing is to raise a talent, another thing is to raise a person with such a personality and charisma to play a game with that stature in the manner that he's done it.”

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Despite hailing his young star, the Arsenal boss has appealed for help from the media to ensure the hype around Dowman doesn’t get too intense.

He added: “I need your help with that, guys. Because if we’re saying that [he needs to be protected] and I have 15 questions on Max, it doesn’t really help.

“If we just bring the temperature down and understand what is the best thing for this boy at his age. He’s doing something phenomenal, we all know that.

“Let’s keep it down a little bit and respect his nature to do what he has to do, which I’m sure is going to be something really good.”