Gerrard Eyes Arsenal Attack Overhaul as Dowman Warned to Seek Fresh Start

Arsenal's attacking department has come under scrutiny despite the Gunners' strong position at the Premier League's summit. Nine points clear of Manchester City, Mikel Arteta's side continues to chase silverware across three competitions following their Carabao Cup final defeat to City last weekend.

Steven Gerrard believes the north London club should consider reinforcements on the left flank come summer. Speaking to TNT Sports, the Liverpool legend suggested Arsenal could upgrade from their current options in that area.

"I think Arsenal will potentially go for a player on the left," Gerrard said. "I don't think Gabriel Martinelli has been as good as he was previously maybe and Leandro Trossard is a good player but that is an area they might look at in terms of how to get the team and squad better."

Ally McCoist echoed sentiments about Arsenal's likelihood to strengthen further, noting that much depends on how the season concludes. "It depends on how the rest of the season pans out," McCoist told TNT Sports. "You always look to bring players in and strengthen your squad and that will be the case and I think Arsenal will look to strengthen."

McCoist added that the pressure surrounding the Gunners remains considerable but expressed confidence in their prospects. "I do think they will get over the line and they've needed this squad which I think is the strongest, they have two players for every position," he said.

Meanwhile, questions swirl around the future of academy graduate Max Dowman. The teenager recently became the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history following his strike against Everton, yet talkSPORT's Adrian Durham has urged the prospect to seek pastures new.

Durham pointed to the cautionary tale of fellow youth product Myles Lewis-Skelly, whose development he believes has stalled under Arteta's management. "Max Dowman needs to leave Arsenal as soon as possible," Durham declared. "Dowman has seen Myles Lewis-Skelly's career derailed by Mikel Arteta. He's not even third choice left-back now – Piero Hincapie and Riccardo Calafiori ahead of him in a Wembley final."

Durham highlighted Lewis-Skelly's journey from youth midfielder to squad fringe player, despite the player's earlier England recognition. The pundit also raised concerns about how Ethan Nwaneri has been handled, currently out on loan at Marseille without a recall clause.

"He's also seen another youth team product Ethan Nwaneri used to boost Arteta's ego – 'look at me, I play young players' – and yet in their title season he's sent to Marseille with no recall clause which is total disrespect," Durham explained.

The presenter suggested Dowman faces an uphill battle for minutes, particularly with Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke ahead of him on the right wing. Dowman's absence from the Carabao Cup final defeat, despite Arsenal's struggles, further illustrated his predicament.

"Saka is playing like me this season. He's never going to be dropped. Noni Madueke played in the cup final like he didn't even know what a football was. They are both ahead of Dowman on that right hand side," Durham said. "Arsenal were sinking fast in that cup final. Embarrassed on the big stage. They needed something special and yet Arteta did not bring Max Dowman on."