Arsenal open to Max Dowman loan after teen star's Ipswich double

Arsenal are open to letting Max Dowman leave on loan this season if it helps his development.

The 16-year-old winger cannot move yet. He turns 17 on 31 December, when he becomes eligible for a loan, a temporary switch to another club to play regular minutes.

It is a careful plan for a rare talent. Dowman made 13 appearances last season as Arsenal ended a 22-year wait to win the Premier League. He became Arsenal's youngest-ever scorer and the youngest scorer in Premier League history, according to BBC Sport.

He has started this campaign in style. Dowman scored twice on his first appearance of the season in Arsenal's 4-2 win at Ipswich in the Carabao Cup, England's league cup competition. He was named Player of the Match at Portman Road.

Manager Mikel Arteta said Arsenal will evaluate every six months what is best for Dowman. That review process will guide whether a loan follows once he turns 17.

Luton Town are watching closely. Hatters manager Jack Wilshere, the former Arsenal midfielder, is believed to have expressed interest in taking Dowman on loan, BBC Sport reported. Any move would be for the second half of the season.

Arsenal turned away loan approaches during the summer window. The door is now open for winter if the right club and the right minutes appear.

What makes this stand out is the timing. Arsenal began the season by beating Manchester City in the Community Shield, the season's curtain-raiser, and have won all seven domestic and European fixtures since. Dowman is learning inside a winning squad.

For fans, this means patience. No rush. Just a club trying to give a 16-year-old the best next step.