Arsenal Names 15-Year-Old Max Dowman in Champions League Squad

Arsenal has included 15-year-old Max Dowman in their Champions League squad, making him eligible to become the youngest player ever to feature in the competition if he plays before his 16th birthday on December 31. This inclusion is historic as UEFA does not impose a minimum age limit for the Champions League, and Dowman could break the current record held by Youssoufa Moukoko, who debuted at 16 years and 18 days. Dowman has already shown promise by debuting in the Premier League and earning the trust of manager Mikel Arteta, who has played him in recent matches. Gabriel Jesus was omitted from the squad due to injury but may be added later in the season, while other young talents like Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly are in the List B squad due to UEFA's locally trained player rules. Arsenal’s significant investment over the summer, including eight new signings, reflects their ambitions to improve on last season’s semi-final finish and potentially win the Champions League. The club’s Champions League campaign will start with an away match against Athletic Bilbao in mid-September.