Dowman rejects Luton loan as Klopp's Germany selection hands Havertz a rest

Arsenal teenager Max Dowman will stay at the Emirates Stadium this season after Luton Town’s approach for a loan deal was rebuffed, while Kai Havertz has been handed an unexpected rest period thanks to Jurgen Klopp’s Germany squad planning ahead of the Premier League’s return on 10 October.

Dowman stays put despite Wilshere’s interest

Luton Town head scout Mick Harford confirmed on talkSPORT that manager Jack Wilshere had made multiple attempts to bring Dowman to the League One club on loan, believing the 16-year-old would benefit from regular senior football. Arteta, however, was unwilling to let him leave.

“I think Jack’s asked him a couple of times, Mikel, but I don’t think he’ll be going out on loan,” Harford said.

Wilshere has first-hand knowledge of Dowman, having managed him in the Arsenal Under-18s, and Harford drew comparisons between the two players — both teenage midfielders who emerged as standout talents in north London. Harford was effusive in his praise for the youngster’s potential.

“Jack was a wonderful footballer, he still is on the training ground,” Harford added. “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, 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.”

Dowman underlined his promise in Arsenal’s Carabao Cup third-round win over Ipswich Town, scoring twice in a 4-2 victory that also featured goals from Noni Madueke and Mikel Merino.

Klopp’s squad split gifts Havertz a fortnight off

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, now in charge of Germany, has structured his international squad in a way that gives Arsenal striker Kai Havertz a significant recovery window. Havertz has been selected for Germany’s opening two fixtures — an away trip to the Netherlands and a home game against Greece — but will not be involved in the subsequent matches against Serbia and a second fixture in Greece.

That arrangement means Havertz will have approximately two weeks to rest and prepare before Arsenal’s Premier League resumption at the Emirates Stadium on 10 October.

Arsenal top ahead of Brighton trip

Arsenal head into the international break sitting top of the Premier League on goal difference ahead of Manchester City, having won all four league games so far this season. Their final fixture before the break is a trip to Brighton on Saturday, after which several Gunners players will depart for Nations League duty with their respective national teams.