Mikel Arteta issues warning to Arsenal youngster as major concerns emerge over £60m Eberechi Eze
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has sent a clear message to teenage sensation Max Dowman, while concerns are reportedly growing inside the club over the form of £60m summer signing Eberechi Eze.
The Gunners have enjoyed a perfect start to the 2026/27 campaign, winning every match across all competitions so far.
With Arsenal set to face Ipswich Town in the Carabao Cup, Arteta is expected to rotate his squad, potentially giving Dowman another opportunity to impress.
However, Arteta has stressed that the highly-rated youngster will still have to earn his opportunities.
“Max will have his chance. He will have his minutes and he will have to earn them like anybody else,” Arteta said.
Meanwhile, Eberechi Eze’s situation is attracting increasing attention. Former Premier League scout Mick Brown claims there are now “serious concerns” about the £60m signing, suggesting Arsenal’s tactical setup may be preventing him from showing the form he displayed at Crystal Palace.
According to Brown, Eze has been used more frequently out wide, despite not being a traditional touchline winger. He believes the role, combined with Arsenal’s possession-heavy approach, does not allow Eze to play to his strengths.
At Palace, Eze was given greater freedom in the final third to receive the ball, take risks and create moments of magic. At Arsenal, however, his responsibilities appear to be different, which could explain why Arteta has opted for other attacking options.
The big question now is whether Arteta can find a role that brings out the best in Eze.
