Arsenal news: Transfer green light given as Max Dowman plan emerges | Football | Sport

Arsenal are gearing up for their crucial Champions League fixture against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday evening. The Gunners have swiftly refocused on European matters after extending their lead at the top of the Premier League table. Mikel Arteta’s team are set to welcome Leverkusen for the second leg of their last 16 encounter.

Kai Havertz will be battling to maintain his position and feature against his former employers, having netted Arsenal’s late equaliser from the penalty spot in the opening leg. The German international has demonstrated his value for the Gunners when available this season, and he remains highly regarded by Leverkusen, who sold him to Chelsea in 2020.

The 16-year-old became the Premier League’s youngest-ever scorer at the weekend, and boss Arteta has faced questions regarding his intentions for the young midfielder. Here, Express Sport examines some of the top stories surrounding the club.

Kai Havertz green light for transfer

Bayer Leverkusen managing director Simon Rolfes has stated clearly that Havertz would receive a warm reception back at the club. The attacker emerged as a teenager at Leverkusen, featuring 150 times before departing for approximately £72million.

“I’m generally sceptical about bringing former players back. But with Kai [Havertz] and Florian Wirtz, I would make an exception,” Rolfes told Sport1 programme Doppelpass.

He also confirmed that should they be in a position to sign Havertz again, Leverkusen would be ready to pounce.

Discussing Havertz, Rolfes added: “He spent 10 years in our youth system. We maintain close contact with Kai and if the situation arises, we would need to have a conversation.

“At the moment, however, he is in a different phase of his career and feels very comfortable at Arsenal. He left the club to reach the top of world football.”

Mikel Arteta reveals Max Dowman plan

Dowman etched his name into the record books following his finish against Everton. The Arsenal youngster’s display attracted considerable interest and he may receive additional game time as the Gunners battle across four competitions.

The 16-year-old made his Champions League debut as a substitute against Slavia Prague in November. Nevertheless, Arteta urged caution after his most recent impressive showing.

Questioned whether Dowman might feature in the starting line-up for the club’s next match, the Arsenal head coach replied: “Let’s come down to earth today and enjoy the moment, because it was intense and it was worth it and we will see tomorrow.”