Arsenal are set to keep Ethan Nwaneri at the club for the remainder of the season despite reported loan interest from Bournemouth and West Ham United. The 17-year-old made his first appearance since early December in the FA Cup third-round win over Portsmouth, with Mikel Arteta praising his performance afterwards.
The Gunners are not expected to make any major signings or departures in the January transfer window, though the club's stance could shift depending on market opportunities. Sporting director Andrea Berta was active in the summer, but the focus appears to be on the upcoming summer window rather than immediate deals.
Bournemouth and West Ham had been linked with a temporary move for Nwaneri, but football.london understands he is not available for loan. Arteta said: "Well, that he deserves that, basically. Obviously, because of the strength of the squad and the players that are in the position, he hasn't been able to play and today he's done it. And I think he had some very good minutes."
According to The Athletic, Arsenal are already drawing up plans for the summer, with Marc Guehi, Real Madrid's Rodrygo, AC Milan's Rafael Leao and Juventus's Kenan Yildiz all mentioned as potential targets. Guehi has also been linked with Manchester City, who recently signed Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth.
Elsewhere, Donyell Malen is close to leaving Aston Villa for AS Roma, with reports suggesting an initial loan deal that includes a £25million obligation to buy. Malen, who came through Arsenal's academy, has made 29 appearances this season, scoring seven goals and providing two assists. His exit is believed to be driven by his desire to play as a striker, a role he has struggled to secure at Villa Park.
