Arsenal are reportedly keeping tabs on Rangers teenager Kai Urban as sporting director Andrea Berta looks to strengthen the club’s options for the future.
The Gunners have enjoyed a strong start to the season under Mikel Arteta, with their attention now turning to Wednesday night’s Champions League meeting with Slavia Prague.
Arsenal are unbeaten in Europe this term, winning two of their opening three matches, and Arteta has received a significant injury boost ahead of the trip to the Czech Republic.
Arsenal receive William Saliba boost ahead of Slavia Prague clash
William Saliba is back in contention after recovering from the back injury that has kept him sidelined since the summer’s World Cup.
The Frenchman has returned to training and played 45 minutes in a behind-closed-doors match last week, with Arteta confirming he is ready to feature again.
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Arsenal’s UCL results |
Home |
Score |
Away |
|---|---|---|---|
|
9 September |
Napoli |
0–1 |
Arsenal |
|
13 October |
Arsenal |
3–0 |
Lille |
|
21 October |
Bayern Munich |
2–2 |
Arsenal |
“He’s in a really good place. I think the process and the timings and in the manner the injury has been dealt with, and especially the feelings that Willy has been having along the way, they’ve been very, very positive,” Arteta said.
“He feels very comfortable. He played 45 minutes [behind] closed doors last week and he feels ready to go. So whether we use him or not now is a matter of what the team needs.”
Mikel Arteta hints Max Dowman could start for Arsenal
Arteta has also opened the door to handing teenage sensation Max Dowman a starting role against Slavia Prague.
The 16-year-old remains eligible for European competition despite his recent red card against Fleetwood Town in the Carabao Cup.
Asked whether Dowman could start, Arteta said: “It’s another year in his career and he’s shown that every time he’s played with us, he has a lot to offer. So that would be now a matter of a choice from my side to pick him.”
The Arsenal boss also insisted that Dowman had responded positively to his recent setback, describing the incident as a learning experience.
“He’s been in great spirit. When you see the kid and today we spent some time together as well talking about things in training, it’s always super positive.”
Arsenal tracking Rangers youngster Kai Urban
Arsenal’s willingness to develop young talent could now extend to their recruitment strategy, with another promising teenager emerging as a potential target.
According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, the Gunners are tracking “highly-rated” Rangers right-back Kai Urban following his impressive performances at youth level.
The 15-year-old has attracted attention for his athleticism with Rangers and Scotland’s youth teams, establishing himself as a player to watch.
He has already represented Scotland at Under-15 level and was recently included in the squad for the FIFA Under-15 World Cup and Festival.
The Scottish youngster remains in the early stages of his development, and there is currently no indication that Arsenal have made a formal approach to Rangers, but the Gers are braced for moves from down south.
Arsenal are also investing in the here and now with a move for Bournemouth star Eli Junior Kroupi, but their interest in Urban highlights the importance of identifying emerging prospects before they establish themselves at senior level.
With Berta overseeing recruitment and Arteta having signed a new contract in October, Arsenal have the stability to plan for the longer term rather than focusing exclusively on established first-team stars.
For Rangers, losing one of their brightest young prospects to the financial power and allure of the Premier League before he has even signed his first professional contract would be a bitter blow.
The Scottish giants will undoubtedly be keen to retain Urban and oversee his development at Ibrox, but Arsenal’s interest presents a significant challenge.
