Arsenal are prepared to consider sending teenage star Max Dowman out on loan this season if the club believes the move would benefit his development.
The 16-year-old has already made history at Arsenal, becoming the youngest player to score in Premier League history and the youngest player to score for the Gunners.
Dowman made his first appearance of the current campaign in impressive fashion on Tuesday, scoring twice as Arsenal defeated Ipswich Town 4-2 in the Carabao Cup.
Although manager Mikel Arteta wants the youngster to remain part of his senior squad, the Arsenal boss said the club would regularly assess his situation before deciding on his next step.
“We will evaluate every six months where we are and what is the best thing for him to do and then make the right decision,” Arteta said.
He added that the decision would depend on several factors, including the player’s needs, Arsenal’s squad situation, available playing time and the quality of the minutes he receives.
Dowman, who completed his GCSEs during the summer, will become eligible for a loan move after turning 17 on December 31. The January transfer window is scheduled to open the following day.
Luton Town manager Jack Wilshere, a former Arsenal midfielder, is reportedly interested in taking Dowman on loan.
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However, Arteta said Arsenal had not yet seriously considered potential loan opportunities because the club had been clear about keeping the teenager with the first-team squad during pre-season.
Dowman made 13 appearances for Arsenal last season as the club ended its long wait for a Premier League title.
Arteta also pointed to his own experience as a teenager, recalling that he moved to Paris Saint-Germain at the age of 17, while stressing that the success of a young player’s loan depends heavily on the environment and opportunities available.
For now, the Arsenal manager appears keen to keep Dowman within the first-team setup while monitoring his progress.
Arsenal have made a strong start to the new campaign, winning all seven of their domestic and European matches, and Dowman will hope his two-goal performance against Ipswich strengthens his case for more opportunities.
Arteta said the best way for the teenager to earn regular first-team football is by continuing to impress on the pitch.
“The best way to knock on the door is to do it on the pitch, not in the office,” Arteta said.
