Arteta tells Dowman minutes must be earned as Eze concerns surface

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has told young forward Max Dowman that he will receive playing time this season but must earn it, as reports emerge of internal concerns regarding the performance of £60 million signing Eberechi Eze. Arteta addressed Dowman's development ahead of Arsenal's Carabao Cup fourth-round tie against Ipswich Town on Tuesday night. The 16-year-old has been an unused substitute for the senior team on four occasions this season but has featured for the under-21s. "Max will have his chance. He will have his minutes and he will have to earn them like anybody else," Arteta told reporters. He cited squad limitations, referencing the Premier League rule of a 20-player matchday squad, as a factor in managing the teenager's integration. Dowman became the youngest player to start a Premier League fixture last season and scored his first professional goal against Everton. However, with senior options like Noni Madueke, Eze, and Viktor Gyökeres available, Arteta could not guarantee the youngster a start at Portman Road. Meanwhile, a report has claimed Arsenal have serious concerns about Eze's form since his move from Crystal Palace.