Arsenal hero 'asks Mikel Arteta' if he can sign Max Dowman as club scout speaks out
Max Dowman looks like a star in the making for Arsenal(Image: 2026 The Arsenal Football Club Plc)
Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere was keen to sign Max Dowman on loan for Luton Town. The 16-year-old delivered a statement display in the 4-2 win over Ipswich Town.
He scored two goals and played huge roles in the other couple of strikes as Mikel Arteta's side eased their way past the Tractor Boys. Dowman had already excited the Arsenal fan-base, but his display at Portman Road made it clear he will soon be ready to take the Premier League by storm.
It's now a case of what the teenager's next step will be in regards to more first team opportunities. One of those possibilities was the prospect of a loan move to Kenilworth Road.
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Luton head scout Mick Harford recently told talkSPORT the League One side were keen to take him on loan. He said: "I think Jack's asked him a couple of times, Mikel, but I don't think he'll be going out on loan."
Wilshere is more than familiar with the teenage star having managed him while he was Arsenal U18s manager. Under the ex-Arsenal midfielder, who was a teen sensation himself, Dowman contributed two goals and provided seven assists in 12 appearances.
Harford believes there are many similarities between Dowman and Wilshere's rise at Arsenal. He added: "Jack was a wonderful footballer, he still is on the training ground.
Jack Wilshere was reportedly interested in signing Max Dowman on loan(Image: MI News/NurPhoto)
"He started, not as a wide man, but as a wide man tucking in those little pockets, getting on the ball and creating stuff. Dowman looks more of a wide man than a pocket player, but a wonderful talent.
"I think he will get more game time and I think if he produces, I think Arteta will play him. I'm a believer in if you're ready, I don't care what age you are. If you're good enough, you'll play and I'm sure he will. He looks like he's going to be a superstar."
Unfortunately for Wilshere, injuries hampered his career at the Emirates Stadium. His performance in a 2-1 Champions League home win over Barcelona back in 2011 is still talked about today.
Max Dowman is a top prospect for Arsenal(Image: 2026 The Arsenal Football Club Plc)
Wilshere outclassed a midfield featuring Sergio Busquets, Xavi and Andres Iniesta as he inspired Arsenal to a famous win over the Catalans in north London. He made 197 appearances for the Gunners, contributing 14 goals and 28 assists.
He would have made several more had his career not been so cruelly tormented by injuries. Wilshere went on to spend a season on loan at Bournemouth in the 2016-17 campaign, before signing permanently for West Ham in the 2018-19 campaign.
Wilshere retired at the end of the 2021-22 season and was quickly brought into the Gunners coaching ranks. After two years managing Arsenal's youth side, he moved to Norwich City as an assistant before being given the job at Luton in October 2025.
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