Sources: Rangers exploring deal to sign Arsenal sensation Max Dowman
Rangers are exploring the possibility of a move to sign Arsenal sensation Max Dowman on loan, sources have told Football Insider.
The 16-year-old is being closely monitored amid a growing feeling he could be allowed to leave on loan in January, and could become available after his 17th birthday in December.
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.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Dowman could benefit from a move to Scotland, where he would play regular minutes under Derek McInnes.
Rangers are not the only club interested, with Glasgow rivals Celtic also keeping tabs on the midfielder's situation, and clubs across Europe likely to be placed on alert.
However, the potential of bringing Dowman to Ibrox is something the club are keen to explore and they are planning to keep tabs on his availability ahead of the January window.
Could Rangers make a move for Max Dowman?
Former Tottenham scout Bryan King told Football Insider on 23 September that Arsenal should keep hold of Dowman rather than sending him on loan "up north".
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.
While much will depend on Arsenal's stance over Dowman's future, the Ibrox club are set to keep informed on his situation and could pounce if he is made available.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "If there's an opportunity to sign someone like Max Dowman, I'm sure Rangers are going to have a look at it.
"Celtic will as well, because he's such a super talent, arguably one of the best young players in European football.
"Obviously, if they get the opportunity to try and sign Max Dowman on loan, they would be mad not be exploring it.
"There are a long list of clubs waiting to take Max Dowman loan loan if he is allowed to leave Arsenal, but it remains to be seen what Arsenal are going to decide about his future."
How do Arsenal feel about sending Dowman on loan?
Whether or not Rangers can do a deal for Dowman will largely depend on Arsenal's willingness to let him go, as they continue to weigh up his immediate future at the Emirates.
Arsenal rate the midfielder extremely highly, and he remains an asset for Mikel Arteta, but there is a feeling a move on loan to play regular game time could be benefitial.
Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson told Football Insider on 26 September that Arsenal are set to reward Dowman with an "enormous" wage hike when he pens a professional deal.
The teenager will be allowed to put pen to paper on his 17th birthday, which is also when he will be available to go on loan should the Gunners choose to permit that.
Having played just nine Premier League minutes so far this season, they could be tempted to send him out on loan, although he still has a part to play under Arteta.