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Posted on March 16, 2026 8:30 pm | Updated on March 16, 2026 2:41 pm
Arsenal F.C. are preparing for another big European night as they welcome Bayer Leverkusen for the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie on Tuesday. The north London side remain focused after strengthening their position at the top of the domestic table in recent days.
Manager Mikel Arteta has built a squad capable of competing on several fronts this season, and the upcoming clash represents another key test of Arsenal’s ambitions in Europe. The first leg produced late drama, with Kai Havertz converting a crucial penalty that kept the tie balanced ahead of the return match in London.
While Arsenal prepare tactically for the encounter, discussions about Havertz’s future and the emergence of teenage midfielder Max Dowman have also dominated the build up.
Kai Havertz linked with possible Leverkusen return
Havertz will again face the club where his professional career began. The Germany international spent a decade developing in the Leverkusen academy before becoming one of the most promising young attackers in Europe. During his time there he made 150 appearances and quickly became a key player. For his performances he earned a £72 million move to Chelsea F.C. in 2020.
After several seasons in England, the versatile attacker joined Arsenal, where he has grown into an important option in Arteta’s system. Although Kai Havertz continues to settle in north London, his former club still follow his progress closely. Speaking recently, Leverkusen managing director Simon Rolfes suggested that a return could be considered under the right circumstances in the future.
Rolfes explained that he generally prefers clubs not to re sign former players, but admitted there could be exceptions. Havertz was one of the names he mentioned, highlighting the strong connection between the player and the club where he first rose to prominence. He also noted that the player spent ten years in the club’s youth system and that communication between both sides has remained positive over the years.
As per the reports, however, any move remains a distant possibility rather than an immediate transfer plan. Havertz is currently focused on helping Arsenal compete for major honours this season.
Arteta urges patience with Max Dowman breakthrough
While Havertz continues to attract headlines, much of the excitement around Arsenal has recently centred on the rapid rise of Max Dowman. The 16 year old midfielder produced a memorable moment at the weekend when he scored the decisive goal against Everton F.C..
That strike made Dowman the youngest scorer in the history of the Premier League and immediately placed him among the most talked about young prospects in English football. The goal also secured three valuable points for Arsenal in a crucial stage of the season.
Dowman’s development has already earned him experience with the senior squad. Earlier in the campaign he made his Champions League debut as a substitute against SK Slavia Prague, a sign of the coaching staff’s growing confidence in the academy graduate.
Despite the excitement surrounding his progress, Arteta has moved quickly to manage expectations. The Arsenal manager praised the youngster’s impact but stressed the importance of patience with a player still at the start of his career. When asked whether Dowman could start Arsenal’s next league match, Arteta responded cautiously. He encouraged everyone to enjoy the moment while recognising that development must come step by step.
The challenge facing Arsenal now is to blend youth with experience as they strive to be competitive at the top of football. As the Champions League tie with Bayer Leverkusen approaches, Arteta will rely on both established players and rising prospects to guide the club through a decisive stage of the season.
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Deepanjali Bhardwaj
Deepanjali Bhardwaj is a Sports Writer at Six Sports, covering both football and cricket with a focus on match developments, player performances, and key talking points across the two sports. Her work combines timely reporting with clear analysis, helping readers stay informed about major matches, tournaments, and emerging storylines in the football and cricket landscape. Through her coverage at Six Sports, Deepanjali contributes match reports, analytical pieces, and feature stories that highlight important moments, team strategies, and standout player performances across domestic and international competitions.
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