ARSENAL'S JACK PORTER, 16, BECOMES CLUB'S YOUNGEST-EVER STARTER

Jack Porter travelled with the Arsenal squad for their Champions League opener against Atalanta. Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Jack Porter became Arsenal's youngest-ever player to start a first-team game when the 16-year-old goalkeeper made his debut in a 5-1 win over Bolton in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

At 16 years, 72 days old, Porter surpassed club icon Cesc Fabregas, who was 16 years, 177 days when he started against Rotherham in October 2003.

Porter was selected in place of first choice David Raya, who was ruled out with a thigh injury, Arsenal said. Raya left Etihad Stadium with a bandage around his right knee after picking up an injury in last weekend's 2-2 draw at Manchester City.

With Neto -- a summer loan signing from Bournemouth -- cup-tied and 18-year-old understudy Tommy Setford also injured, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has called on Porter, who only turned 16 in July.

Porter has trained with the first team on a few occasions previously and was named among the substitutes for last week's Champions League trip to Atalanta which ended 0-0.

He only signed scholarship terms with the Gunners in the summer and cannot agree a professional contract until next year when he turns 17.

As ESPN reported on deadline day, Arsenal attempted to sign two goalkeepers late in the window, having allowed Aaron Ramsdale to join Southampton in a permanent deal and Karl Hein to move to Real Valladolid on loan.

After securing Neto's arrival, they explored a deal for Joan García at Espanyol while also making an approach for Wolves' Dan Bentley but were unable to secure an agreement.

Arteta rotated his side for the game against Bolton with youngsters Ethan Nwaneri and Miles Lewis-Skelly among those included, while Raheem Sterling made his first start after arriving on a season-long loan from Chelsea.

Nwaneri, who scored twice against Bolton, holds the record as the youngest player to represent Arsenal's first team after coming on as a substitute aged 15 years, 181 days in September 2022.

Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.

- James Olley, Senior Writer, ESPN FC

ARSENAL GIVEN CHANCE TO SIGN CHELSEA'S STERLING - SOURCES

Raheem Sterling has been told he is surplus to requirements at Chelsea. Jeff Dean/Getty Images

Arsenal have been offered the chance to sign Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling, sources have told ESPN.

The 29-year-old has been deemed surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge and sources have said he is keen to secure a permanent move to another Premier League club to revive his career at club and international level.

Chelsea want to offload his £325,000-a-week wage and are thought to be open to a loan deal given Sterling has three years remaining on his contract.

They have been in talks with Manchester United over a possible swap deal involving Jadon Sancho but that proposal remains complicated given the salary levels involved.

Juventus also remain interested in Sancho, while Sterling's camp have sounded out other options including Arsenal and Aston Villa.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta distanced the club from a move from Sterling last week despite speaking positively about his character after the pair worked together for three years at Manchester City.

However, Arsenal have been open to signing an attacking player throughout the window and are discussing their options, having also been linked with a late move for Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are closing in on the loan signing of Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto with the Brazilian set to undergo a medical on Friday morning, sources have told ESPN.

The 35-year-old has been identified by Arsenal as a back-up for first-choice goalkeeper David Raya and his arrival will enable Aaron Ramsdale to complete his move to Southampton.

As ESPN reported on Thursday, Ramsdale has agreed a deal worth up to £25 million ($33m) including add-ons. Sources have told ESPN that Arsenal are open to signing another goalkeeper on Friday if the right opportunity arises having allowed Karl Hein to go out on loan to Real Valladolid.

They have shown an interest in Espanyol's Joan García and have also been linked with Wigan's Sam Tickle. Sources added that Espanyol want a fee in excess of €20m ($22m) for Garcia.

MOST ASSISTS | OLIVER WATKINS |