Rangers' chances of signing Max Dowman in January revealed
Rangers could miss out signing Arsenal star Max Dowman on loan after English clubs joined the race, sources have told Football Insider.
The 16-year-old could be allowed to leave the Gunners in the January transfer window, with a decision to be made when he pens a proffesional deal on his 17th birthday.
A number of clubs across Europe have been placed on alert by his potential availability, with Rangers among those hopeful of offering him regular game time.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, a number of English clubs are tracking Dowman and could join Rangers in the race for his signature.
In fact, almost every club in England including those in the Premier League are believed to be keeping tabs on the midfielder's situation in case he is allowed to leave on loan.
Rangers have been bring the teenager to Ibrox, where there is a feeling that he would play regular minutes, but English clubs will hold an advantage in the race for Dowman.
Could Rangers make a move for Max Dowman?
Football Insider revealed on 9 October that Rangers are exploring the possibility of signing Dowman on loan from Arsenal and are waiting to see if he is made available.
Arsenal are still weighing up whether to let him leave, but the Ibrox club are among his strong admirers in case they give the green light for a temporary exit.
However, with English rivals now having joined the race for his signature, the deal may prove difficult for Rangers to pull off and they may be forced to look elsewhere.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "If there's an opportunity to sign someone like Max Dowman, I'm sure Rangers will be having a look at it.
"He’s a top top young talent Max Dowman, and as I said if he becomes available in January it won't just be Celtic and Rangers who will be interested.
"Most of the clubs in England, including in the Premier League, are going to be interested in taking the teenager on loan for the rest of the season.
"That could make the deal difficult for Rangers to pull off, because we know they can struggle to compete when it comes to clubs in English football."
How do Arsenal feel about letting Dowman go on loan?
Despite the growing interest in Dowman's potential availability, much will depend on Arsenal's decision and whether they are open to seeing him leave on loan.
Having played just nine minutes of Premier League football this season and played just four games across all competitions, there is a feeling he could benefit from more regular games.
However, Football Insider revealed on 21 September that Arsenal are expecting Dowman to play a key role in Mikel Arteta's plans heading into the busier stages of the season.
The Gunners are understood to have no massive concerns about the 16-year-old's development pathway, despite their high level of attacking depth at senior level.
Arteta recently admitted that they would consider a loan move for the attacking midfielder in January, but only if they deem it to be a better fit than staying at the Emirates.