West Ham United have seen a concrete approach to sign Arsenal's highly-rated young midfielder Ethan Nwaneri on loan this month firmly rejected, according to reports. The news comes as Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta emphasises the importance of every member of his squad in the midst of a tense Premier League title race.
Hammers' Proposal Fails to Bear Fruit
Football.london reports that the Hammers, battling to avoid relegation, are one of a number of clubs to have registered interest in the 18-year-old academy graduate. However, their specific proposal for a loan deal has been rebuffed by the North London club. Discussions between the two London rivals are said to have failed to bear fruit, leaving Nwaneri at the Emirates for now.
The England youth international, who became Arsenal's youngest-ever debutant, signed a new long-term contract as recently as August 2025. Despite this, his first-team opportunities have been limited this season, with just 515 minutes of action, following the high-profile arrivals of players like Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke.
Arteta's Stance on Squad Depth and Nwaneri's Role
Speaking ahead of his side's 3-2 win at Bournemouth on January 3, Arteta was coy on specific transfer plans but clear on his philosophy. "Every player is very important, every player has a role," the Gunners boss stated. "That role can change throughout the season for different reasons and everybody has to be ready to play."
Arteta's words were backed by action when he handed Nwaneri a start in the FA Cup third-round victory at Portsmouth. The midfielder played 69 minutes in the 4-1 win, earning praise from his manager. "He deserved that. Because of the strength of the squad and the players that are in the positions, he hasn't been able to play. Today he's done it, and I think he had some very good minutes," Arteta said post-match.
Divergent Seasons for London Rivals
The failed transfer move highlights the starkly different ambitions of the two clubs in the 2025/26 campaign. Arsenal are firmly in the hunt for their first Premier League crown since the 'Invincibles' season of 2003/04, while also competing strongly in the Champions League and Carabao Cup.
In contrast, West Ham, under Nuno Espirito Santo, are in serious danger of relegation. Without a league win in over two months, their precarious position means the January transfer window is critical, though their pursuit of Nwaneri has hit an early setback.
With over two weeks of the window remaining, the situation could yet develop. However, the current belief within Arsenal is that a loan move for Nwaneri may not be essential for his development, suggesting the teenage talent will remain part of Arteta's plans as the Gunners push for silverware on multiple fronts.
