Max Dowman is reportedly attracting interest from several clubs over a potential loan deal.
Max Dowman before the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Ipswich Town and Arsenal at Portman Road.
Max Dowman is the subject of loan interest. (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Arsenal and Mikel Arteta have a crucial decision to make over the development of Max Dowman. The Gunners’ youngster is one of the most highly-rated players making their way into the first team.
Despite being just 16 years old, he already has 15 first team appearances to his name. The teenager was the standout player in Arsenal’s 4-2 Carabao Cup third round win over Ipswich last week, scoring twice.
The performance earned him a place on the bench for the weekend’s Premier League clash against Brighton, where he came on in the final 10 minutes of the 3-0 defeat at the Amex Stadium.
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Reports this week claim that as many as 12 teams are interested in taking Dowman on loan when the transfer window re-opens in January. By that time, he will be 17 and eligible to move away on a temporary deal.
Loan deals are often the way that young players build up their experience of first team football. But, having already made the breakthrough into the Arsenal first team, would it be the best option for Dowman?
It’s been revealed that Luton Town, managed by former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere, have previously enquired about taking the teenager on loan. Speaking to TalkSPORT, Luton club legend and senior scout Mick Harford said: “I think Jack's asked him a couple of times, Mikel, but I don't think he'll be going out on loan.
"Dowman looks more of a wide man than a pocket player, but a wonderful talent. I think he will get more game time and I think if he produces, I think Arteta will play him. I'm a believer in, if you're ready, I don't care what age you are.
“If you're good enough, you'll play and I'm sure he will. He looks like he's going to be a superstar."
Wilshere’s time as a youth coach at Arsenal saw him come across Dowman as a 13-year-old. Even then, coaches were aware of the talent he had.
Dowman has a few more months to stake his claim for more regular minutes in Arteta’s side. It also gives the Arsenal boss time to weigh up the pros and cons of a temporary switch.
A loan deal would ensure that the winger gets probably more game time than he would get at the Emirates Stadium in the second half of the season. If he performs well, it would also be positive for his confidence ahead of a return to the club.
A move away would, however, mean less time working with Arteta and continuing to develop within the Arsenal team and style of play. A move to a League One club, such as Luton, could see him part of a team less likely to dominate a game like Arsenal tend to do.
If the Gunners do allow Dowman to move, it also reduces the options available to Arteta, especially if the team go far in all competitions this season. The Carabao Cup and FA Cup is likely to continue to bring opportunities for Dowman to show what he can do.
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Dowman is currently away on international duty where he is representing England U19s, but is being closely watched by Under-21s manager Lee Carsley, who has spoken of the plan for the youngster. "He's definitely an outstanding talent," he told Henry Winter.
"It's inevitable that he's going to be with the 21s because of his talent, but we have to make sure we do that at the right time, that he comes away with us, plays minutes and competes with the other players that are in his position.
"Me and Thomas [Tuchel] speak regularly about squad selection and, in terms of what potentially you may be looking at with the 21s. Max is always in the conversation because of his talents."
Arsenal will also have a plan for the youngster as they look to continue his development in the game. If a loan deal is part of that is still to be seen.