Photo via Sky Sports

Arteta: Dowman could go out on loan in future

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has kept the door open for a prospective temporary transfer for Max Dowman, noting that the London side plans to assess the 16-year-old's pathway every half-year. The teenage prospect recently grabbed attention by netting two goals during his full 90-minute appearance in an EFL Cup triumph over Ipswich, prompting team-mate Mikel Merino to liken his qualities to Barcelona's Lamine Yamal.

Despite making history the previous campaign as the English top flight's youngest-ever goalscorer, that cup fixture represents the attacker's sole action of the current term after he was omitted from matchday squads for victories against Aston Villa and Sunderland.

Arteta explained that the Gunners previously rebuffed external interest because they insisted on integrating Dowman throughout pre-season preparations. Reflecting on his own teenage loan spell with Paris Saint-Germain at age 17, the manager stressed that any future temporary switch would depend on roster depth, playing time, and performance levels, while confirming that the immediate priority remains having the young talent contribute directly to the current squad.