Arsenal are preparing to part ways with Ethan Nwaneri before the summer transfer window closes, following his exclusion from the Community Shield squad against Manchester City. The 19-year-old midfielder, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Marseille, has attracted interest from Galatasaray, Borussia Dortmund, and AC Milan in recent weeks.
Nwaneri's Arsenal career and loan struggles
Nwaneri became the youngest player ever to feature in the Premier League when he made his Arsenal debut in 2022. He established himself as a regular in Mikel Arteta's first-team squad during the 2024-25 season, making 37 appearances for his boyhood club. That campaign earned him a nomination for the PFA Young Player of the Year award and a new long-term contract.
However, the 2025-26 season proved disappointing. Nwaneri featured in only six league games before being loaned to Marseille in January. Arsenal hoped he would develop in France, but he made just nine appearances during an underwhelming spell before returning to north London.
Arteta's assessment and transfer stance
Despite the lack of impact at Marseille, Arteta insisted Nwaneri benefited from his time away, saying after Arsenal's 4-1 pre-season friendly win over Girona: "On the pitch, he didn't [work] because a lot happened in Marseille. But when you just stand in front of him, you sense the maturity and he looks like a different man. The experience on paper, it wasn't ideal but I think he went through something that is going to help him a lot in his career."
Speaking on Friday before the Community Shield, Arteta admitted Nwaneri could still leave 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."
Interest and potential transfer terms
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Arsenal plan to offload Nwaneri. It remains unclear whether the club will sanction another loan move or sell the teenager in a deal that could include a buy-back option. Galatasaray, Borussia Dortmund, and AC Milan have all shown interest in recent weeks, and Nwaneri's departure now appears imminent as Arsenal look to finalize his exit before the window shuts.
