Mikel Arteta handed transfer warning over Arsenal pair whose 'patience could wear thin'

Rio Ferdinand has warned Mikel Arteta that Arsenal could lose wonderkids Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman if they are not given enough first-team opportunities.

Among the many promising attackers recently produced by the club's Hale End academy, Nwaneri and Dowman stand out as the most impressive. The former, who became the youngest player in Premier League history at 15 in 2022, had an exceptional season last term with the Gunners.

Despite only playing 1,378 minutes of football, the 18-year-old managed to score nine times in all competitions, including two goals in the Champions League and one against Manchester City. Some Arsenal supporters were even unhappy with manager Arteta, feeling that the English youngster deserved more opportunities, particularly when captain Martin Odegaard was sidelined due to injury at the beginning of the season.

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Now another promising Hale Ender, 15-year-old Dowman, has burst onto the scene, showing arguably even greater potential. Despite his limited minutes last month during Arsenal's pre-season tour of Asia, Dowman, who wasn't allowed to be called up last season due to his age, shone brightly and quickly became one of the most talked-about talents in the country.

Manchester United legend Ferdinand has been a vocal supporter of both Dowman and Nwaneri in recent weeks, asserting that the teenagers are ready to make a significant impact this season. He believes their talent warrants more game time and suggests they could depart if Arteta doesn't give them the chance to shine.

He said on : "Ethan Nwaneri, I think he's a ridiculous talent. The only thing I'm worried about is that these two boys play in the same position as Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka. The problem Arsenal have is that if these two young boys don't get enough minutes, they could start getting itchy feet.

“Maybe people around them start getting into their head and patience wears thin - you risk losing them. I think they’re ready to be dipped in a lot more than we saw last season, especially Nwaneri because he’s had that year of adaptation to the first team.

“I think he’s got great talent but Dowman excites me on another level. This kid is different.” Ferdinand went on to say he is the best English teenager since his own former team-mate Wayne Rooney. He added: “Dowman's more subtle, he’s more tekky, he’s going to have people on ice skates. He gets you off your feet.”

Dowman, who is yet to complete his GCSEs, enjoyed his first senior squad training session at just 14 years old. Despite Arteta's inclination to shield youngsters from the spotlight, the Spaniard recognised enough promise to involve him in the winter Dubai trip, showing he is prepared to offer chances at the appropriate moment.

Dowman is unable to sign a professional contract until he’s 17 in December 2026. There is no doubt that there will be a clamour from other top clubs to poach him, having caught the eye by dominating youth team games for England and Arsenal in the No. 10 position, which has drawn comparisons to Brazilian legend Kaka.

Meanwhile, Nwaneri recently committed his future to his boyhood club by signing a five-year contract. That was despite some concern over the youngster entering the last 12 months of his contract and reports of interest from Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund.