Norwich City, Wolves and Burnley are all interested in a potential January loan deal for Arsenal wonderkid Max Dowman.
Norwich City, Wolves and Burnley haven’t long seen their summer recruitment drives end. However, they will all have eyes on potential winter options already, and NCFC, Wanderers and the Clarets could go toe-to-toe for Max Dowman.
A report from TEAMtalk has claimed that the Championship trio are all among the clubs to have registered interest in a potential winter loan deal for the Arsenal wonderkid. It is claimed that Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is open to sending Dowman out on loan if the right opportunity arises over the second half of the season.
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Over a dozen clubs have registered interest in Dowman, it is said. At present, the other sides named in the pursuit of the 16-year-old are Coventry City, Celtic and Rangers, while Luton Town boss Jack Wilshere has also made enquiries regarding a potential swoop.
Max Dowman would be a statement loan coup for any of Norwich City, Wolves or Burnley
At 16, Dowman is one of England’s most highly regarded prospects at present. He’s so young he’s not actually allowed to head out on loan yet – that will change when he turns 17 on New Year’s Eve later this year.
Arsenal have already given the teenager plenty of senior involvement and he proved just how good he already is with a brace against Ipswich Town in the Carabao Cup. Of all the admirers, that would certainly endear him to Norwich City the most.
Arteta and co will carefully weigh up all options but there’s no hiding what a coup he would be at Championship level. Dowman primarily plays on the wing or as an attacking midfielder and boasts a remarkable standard of intelligence for his age.
He pairs this with excellent close control and dribbling, making him a real headache for defenders. Dowman could be a real star in the Championship as NCFC, Wolves and Burnley make their interest known.
The Verdict: Max Dowman seems more likely to stay at Arsenal as Championship trio lurk
Given just how highly rated Dowman is, there is an understandable eagerness for him to play senior football. Chances to do so at Arsenal are arising, but perhaps not at the frequency desired.
That does make a loan an option. However, this is not like sending any other academy talent out on loan – at just 16, Dowman might have the talent and focus, but it is a very different thing for him to be around a brand new dressing room, as opposed to one he has already been settled in with Arsenal.
Max Dowman’s Arsenal stats
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The Gunners can nurture him, whereas most loan clubs will be expecting results. Despite the need for game time, thrusting Dowman into such an environment could be more detrimental to his progress than beneficial.
Arsenal will be acutely aware of this, and perhaps inclined to keep him close to manage his development and progression more carefully than a loan club might. Norwich City, Wolves and Burnley may make their cases, but the North Londoners must consider their stance to do what’s best for one of England’s best talents in years.
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