Sources: Arsenal make Max Dowman transfer plan amid Rangers and Celtic race
Arsenal have yet to make a decision about Max Dowman's future amid interest from Rangers and Celtic, sources have told Football Insider.
The 16-year-old is attracting interest from clubs across Europe as he could be allowed to move on loan after he puts pen to paper on a new contract on his 17th birthday.
Mikel Arteta recently confessed the midfielder could be allowed to leave in January if they feel he would be better served by playing regularly away from the Emirates.
However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Dowman still has a significant role to play at Arsenal and will be part of their squad this season.
With Arteta's side hoping to remain competitive across all four competitions, there is a feeling the teenager could prove a valuable option for rotation and depth.
While his possible January exit has not been ruled out, with his immediate future still in the balance, interested clubs including both Rangers and Celtic could be set to miss out.
How do Arsenal feel about loaning out Max Dowman?
Football Insider revealed last month that Arsenal are expecting Dowman to get extensive minutes as part of Arteta's first team squad as the season progressess.
However, the midfielder has played just nine minutes of Premier League football this season, and was an unused subsitute during their win against Leeds last time out.
That has led to suggestions he could go on loan in search of more regular game time to continue his rapid development, but any final decision will be made by Arsenal.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "If there's an opportunity to sign someone like Max Dowman, I'm sure both Rangers and Celtic would look at it.
"Arsenal will obviously be trying to make the best decision for his own development to make sure he can continue on his current trajectory.
"So the decision is about whether that means agreeing a loan move in January, or whether he sticks around as part of Mikel Arteta's side.
"As I said, he might be required if there's any injuries to any of the current attacking players in that Arsenal side, and he still has a part to play off the bench and as part of the squad."
Could Dowman complete a move to Scotland?
Should Arsenal decide to let Dowman leave on loan in January, he will have no shortage of suitoes, with clubs across Europen football keeping a close eye on his situation.
There is believed to be interest from top-level clubs in the Premier League as well, but a potential move to Scotland could be the ideal next step for his development.
Football Insider revealed on 9 October that Rangers are exploring the possibility of a move to sign Dowman and are on alert in case he is made available by Arsenal.
Despite his age, the midfielder has senior experience having made 15 appearances for Arsenal, but there is a belief he could add some quality to this Rangers squad.
Arsenal are still weighing up whether to let him leave on loan, but Rangers are among his strong admirers in case they give the green light for a temporary exit.