Arsenal are planning to offload Ethan Nwaneri before the summer transfer window closes after he was left out of the Community Shield against Manchester City. The 19-year-old has been linked with a move away from the club this summer after spending the second-half of last season on loan at Marseille.
What happened?
Nwaneri has been one of the most highly-rated players in Europe despite a disappointing 2025-26 campaign. The midfielder became the youngest player to ever feature in the Premier League when he made his debut for Arsenal in 2022, and established himself as a regular member of Mikel Arteta's first-team squad during the 2024-25 season. He made 37 appearances for the club that term and was nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year award while being rewarded with a new long-term contract.
Why it matters for Arsenal
Arsenal bosses were confident he would develop in France but Nwaneri only made nine appearances during an underwhelming loan before returning to the Premier League champions. Despite failing to make an impact for Marseille, Arteta insisted Nwaneri would benefit from his time away from Arsenal and returned 'looking like a different man'.
What comes next?
Nwaneri has attracted interest from Galatasaray, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan in recent weeks and Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Arsenal plan to offload him after he was left out of the Community Shield. It is not clear whether Arsenal will sanction another loan move for the teenager or sell him in a possible deal with a buy-back option.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 1st in Premier League, 85 pts, 26W-7D-5L from 38 games, recent form WWWWW. Goals this season: 71 scored, 27 conceded (+44 goal difference). Lead at the top: 7 points clear of Manchester City. Last result: Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal (2026-05-24). Recent form (last 5): 5W-0D-0L (WWWWW, most recent first); on a 5-game winning run. Next fixture: vs Coventry (at home, 2026-08-21). Currently sidelined: Jurriën Timber, William Saliba.
The 19-year-old was expected to continue to contribute last season but only featured in six league games before being sent on loan to Marseille in January. Speaking on Friday before the Community Shield, Arteta admitted Nwaneri could still leave Arsenal before the transfer deadline. 'I want him to be at the club. But we have to think about the medium and long term,' Arteta said. 'What is best for the player? Ethan needs to play football. If he stays here, we must be able to guarantee him those minutes, otherwise it won't be beneficial for either side.'
What does it mean for the team?
Arsenal are looking to retain the Premier League trophy this season and Arteta believes that Nwaneri's departure could be a positive move for the club. 'It's very difficult, that's why we haven't done it in this football club. You have to raise the level from every angle,' Arteta said. 'Christos [Tzolis] came early so that always helps,' Arteta said. 'Bruno [Guimaraes] only joined us last week, but he's in good condition and we know what he will bring to the team. He is a ball of energy. He has an unbelievable desire to win every ball. You sense he will drive the dressing room and when you bring someone with that competitive nature, it will only drive the boys.'
What's next for Nwaneri?
Nwaneri's future at Arsenal remains uncertain, but one thing is clear - he will be looking to make a positive impact at his next club. With interest from top European clubs, it will be interesting to see where he ends up next. The 19-year-old has the talent and potential to make a big impact in the football world, and it will be exciting to see where his journey takes him next.
