Arsenal offer Max Dowman exit as Klopp eases Arteta’s striker load

Inside the Emirates Stadium, 16‑year‑old Max Dowman watched his teammates warm up for Saturday’s clash with Brighton, while manager Mikel Arteta and former Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp discussed the teenager’s future. The Gunners, perched atop the Premier League table, faced a decision on whether to keep the prodigy or grant him a loan move.

Comments Sport Abbie Meehan, Senior Sports Writer, posted the story at 04:00 on 18 Sep 2026. The piece includes View 3 Images. OUR coverage confirms Arsenal’s return to Premier League action this weekend as they travel to Brighton on Saturday afternoon.

Arsenal’s league position and cup progress

The Gunners sit top of the Premier League table, ahead of Manchester City on goal difference after four straight wins. Their unbeaten run includes a 4‑2 victory over Ipswich Town that secured progression to the Carabao Cup fourth round. Arsenal will host Fleetwood Town next, having already dispatched their third‑round opponents with a Max Dowman brace, plus goals from Noni Madueke and Mikel Merino.

The Brighton clash will be Arsenal’s final league fixture before the international break begins. Several Gunners are due to feature for their nations in Nations League matches, pausing the domestic calendar until October.

Dowman’s loan saga and Klopp’s squad rotation

Max Dowman has been offered an exit option, with former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere reportedly keen to bring the 16‑year‑old to Luton Town on loan. Head scout Mick Harford told that Luton, managed by Wilshere, are eager to give the teenager regular senior football. Harford added: “I think Jack’s asked him a couple of times, Mikel, but I don’t think he’ll be going out on loan.”

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Harford highlighted the similarity between Wilshere and Dowman, both rising north London talents, and described the teenager as capable of becoming a “superstar”. Dowman himself praised Wilshere, saying, “Jack was a wonderful footballer, he still is on the training ground… I think he will get more game time… I’m a believer… He looks like he’s going to be a superstar.”

Ex‑Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has allowed Kai Havertz to rest and prepare for Arsenal’s hectic schedule during the international break. Klopp called up the striker for Germany’s fixtures against the Netherlands away and Greece at home, while a separate squad will face Serbia and later travel to Greece.

Havertz will have two weeks to ready himself for the Premier League’s return at the Emirates Stadium on 10 October. Klopp said assembling the squad was “fun” and that Arteta will be grateful to have his main striker back earlier than many other internationals.

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