Arsenal are reportedly prepared to reconsider Max Dowman’s immediate future when the January transfer window opens.
The 16-year-old has forced himself into Mikel Arteta’s first-team thinking after a sensational start to the season.
Dowman scored twice in Arsenal’s 4-2 Carabao Cup win over Ipswich Town earlier this week, adding another major senior performance to his rapid rise through Hale End.
Now, according to talkSPORT, Arsenal could reassess whether a temporary move would benefit him once he turns 17 on December 31.
That represents a significant development after the Gunners previously resisted interest in sending him out.
Arsenal could reconsider Max Dowman loan
Luton Town have already made repeated approaches over signing Dowman temporarily.
ReadArsenal previously covered how Jack Wilshere’s Luton had asked Arsenal about a Max Dowman loan, with the League One side keen to reunite the teenager with his former academy coach.
At that stage, the expectation was that Dowman would remain in north London.
The latest report suggests Arsenal’s position is more flexible.
A decision would depend on Dowman’s development, the first-team opportunities available to him and Arsenal’s squad needs during the second half of the season.
That fits with Arteta’s careful handling of one of the club’s brightest prospects.
After Dowman’s outstanding display at Portman Road, Arteta promised him further opportunities while stressing the importance of managing his progression.
Our report on Arteta’s Max Dowman promise detailed how the Arsenal manager wants to expose the teenager to senior football without overwhelming him.
Dowman has already made Arsenal loan decision harder
Dowman’s performances make the decision increasingly complicated.
He was Arsenal’s standout player against Ipswich, scoring twice as Arteta’s heavily rotated side reached the Carabao Cup fourth round.
Our Arsenal player ratings from Ipswich gave Dowman the highest mark after another performance full of confidence and attacking quality.
He also joined Wayne Rooney in an exclusive group of 16-year-olds to score twice in a senior match for a Premier League club, as ReadArsenal examined after his record-breaking Ipswich display.
Sending him out could guarantee regular senior minutes.
Keeping him would allow Arteta to continue using Dowman around a title-chasing first-team environment.
Both routes carry obvious benefits.
Hale End pathway gives Arsenal options
Arsenal do not have one fixed development route for their academy prospects.
Some players progress directly into Arteta’s squad, while others gain valuable experience elsewhere before returning.
Our evergreen Arsenal academy guide explains how Hale End players can move through youth football, loans and first-team opportunities.
Dowman’s own Arsenal player profile also tracks a rise which has already taken him from academy football into regular senior contention.
The teenager remains an Arsenal player for now.
There is no suggestion that a January loan has already been agreed.
But the possibility appears to be firmly on the table.
Dowman’s next few months may ultimately decide whether Arteta keeps him close or allows one of English football’s most exciting youngsters to gain regular senior football elsewhere.
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