Arsenal have no current plans to send 16-year-old sensation Max Dowman out on loan, despite growing interest from clubs including West Ham. The teenager, who turns 17 on December 31, will become eligible for a temporary move when the transfer window opens the following day.
International break highlights
Dowman scored the only goal for England Under-19s against the Republic of Ireland during the international break, came off the bench in a win over Norway, and was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge against the USA on Friday.
He has already made an impact for Arsenal this season, scoring twice in the Carabao Cup win over Ipswich last month. His continued progress is making the challenge of managing his development harder for the club.
Arsenal's stance on a loan
Arsenal have carefully overseen Dowman's development on and off the pitch for years, and the support system around him is considered important. He comes from a family of Arsenal fans, and all parties are happy with his current trajectory.
Dowman trains with the Arsenal first team, learning from players such as Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard, and has a close relationship with Declan Rice. Mikel Arteta brought him on as a 15-year-old at Anfield last season, and he has made seven Premier League appearances and his Champions League debut.
The international break has highlighted the need for squad depth. Odegaard had an injury scare with his ankle, while Christos Tzolis has undergone a scan on his hamstring. If Tzolis faces a spell out, Arsenal would be short of wingers, potentially opening more chances for Dowman as deputy to Saka.
Arteta's view on loans
Arteta indicated Arsenal could be open to a loan move in future, with Dowman's situation assessed before every transfer window. He said last month: "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 has also suggested he does not think a 17-year-old is too young to go out on loan, having done so himself at that age to Paris Saint-Germain. When Ethan Nwaneri joined Marseille for the second half of last season, Arteta said he was keen for the teenager to be "thrown in with the sharks". That loan was not a success and highlighted the importance of choosing the right club for young players.
There is no sense of Dowman's path being blocked, and he is contributing in a real way. He is right where Arsenal want him.
