Arsenal are set to lose a promising academy graduate to a bitter rival, with Ayden Heaven expected to depart the club for Manchester United.
The Gunners have lost the likes of Omari Hutchinson and Chido Obi-Martin to Chelsea and United respectively in recent years, and thus a growing concern is starting to develop around the North Londoners’ ability to retain their brightest prospects.
Heaven has been tempted by United’s proposal and will complete a switch to the Red Devils before the transfer window closes.
While it remains to be seen as to whether Heaven’s departure will prove costly for Arsenal, Mikel Arteta must ensure he can create a clear pathway to the first team for up-and-coming talent.
Arsenal need to create a pathway for Max Dowman
Arsenal fans were quick to warn Heaven that the grass isn’t always greener, citing the likes of Amario Cozier-Duberry, Charlie Patino and Hutchinson as reasons not to leave N5 as a youngster.
However, Hale End graduates continue to opt to join rivals instead of putting pen to paper on a deal with the club that raised them.
Max Dowman is the latest wonderkid to emerge from the Gunners’ prestigious academy, sparking excitement around London Colney for his performances in Arsenal’s various youth teams.
- READ MORE: Who is Max Dowman? Meet the Arsenal wonderkid who has broken records and impressed Mikel Arteta
The 15-year-old is still two years away from being able to sign a professional contract and is already being courted by a number of top English clubs.
Arteta revealed that Dowman is developing quickly, and thus it would be no surprise to see him make a first-team appearance before he turns 17.
However, with interest already brewing, Arsenal must portray to Dowman that he has a clear route to first-team football at the Emirates.
While a talent of his calibre could expect to break into the senior picture, the emergence of three other young midfielders could stifle this.
Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri have been constant fixtures in Arteta’s team this season, and both have futures in midfield under the Spaniard.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are expected to sign Martin Zubimendi in the summer and Sverre Nypan will likely reject Manchester United to join the Gunners.
Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard aren’t likely to be going anywhere anytime soon, meaning Arteta has a lot of midfielders at his disposal who could be here for the long-term.
Dowman would be forgiven for thinking there isn’t a route to regular minutes at Arsenal, and thus may be tempted to accept a lucrative offer from elsewhere.
Max Dowman is an elite young talent
Part of why Dowman’s development must be prioritised is because of his exceptional ability.
The graceful midfielder was playing in the under-21s team at 14 and was training with the first team from that age.
Described as ‘not normal’ by football analyst Ben Mattinson, Dowman glides past defenders with ease, takes powerful and accurate shots from distance, while his passing is crisp and creative.
The starlet could dovetail nicely with Odegaard and Rice in midfield, or could be used as an alternative to Bukayo Saka on the right-wing.
It’s essential that these potential roles are presented to him as plausible, otherwise, Arsenal risk losing one of the country’s most talented young players.
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