Rangers Set to Battle Celtic for Arsenal Youngster Max Dowman

According to a recent update on TransferFeed, Rangers have identified Arsenal winger Max Dowman as a potential winter transfer window signing. 

As per a report by TEAMtalk, over a dozen clubs have expressed interest in signing the teenage sensation from North London. Dowman made history at Arsenal by becoming the club's youngest-ever starter in a match at 15 years and 302 days. Due to the age restriction rules, he will be available to be sent out on loan or a permanent transfer with a professional contract when he becomes 17. He also became the youngest player ever in Premier League history to score in the top flight. The goal came in a 2-0 win against Everton when he was 16 years and 73 days old.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has communicated to the player that his immediate first-team prospects will be quite limited due to the nature of the squad's expectations and also the quality of the players already in it. It will surely be an uphill task for Dowman to break through to the ranks and get even a single start throughout the long, hard campaign. 

Dowman is expected to accept The Gunners' wish to loan him in January so that he can get regular game time for long-term development. 

Rangers are emerging as one of the most reliable destinations for the 16-year-old for a better growth environment. The club is also searching for a quick winger on the flanks to aid the attack, and Dowman could be the answer to this requirement. However, the Gers will have to primarily fight out against rivals Celtic for his signature, as both Old Firm clubs have shown a strong interest in acquiring the versatile young winger. 

Premier League sides are also keen on securing a loan spell for the player, most notably, is the inquiries coming from struggling Coventry City, who want an impactful player to help them seal survival this season. Apart from this avenue, interest is on the rise in the Championship as the likes of Norwich City, Wolves and Burnley are hoping to have Dowman for the most crucial part of the season and help them achieve promotion to the English top flight. 

The race is pretty open as of now and a potential transfer battle will depend on Arteta's decision on whether to provide Dowman with a space to grow or keep him at the club to develop him organically.