Arsenal are in advanced talks to sell Ethan Nwaneri but would insist on a buy-back option in any potential deal, according to reports. The 19-year-old midfielder, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Marseille, is the subject of interest from RB Leipzig and AC Milan.
Nwaneri's Career So Far
Nwaneri became the youngest player in Premier League history when he made his Arsenal debut in 2022. He established himself as a regular under Mikel Arteta in the 2024-25 season, making 37 appearances and earning a nomination for the PFA Young Player of the Year award, along with a new long-term contract.
However, last season he featured in only six league games before joining Marseille on loan in January. His time in France was underwhelming, with just nine appearances, but Arteta believes the experience was valuable.
Arteta's Confidence
Speaking after Arsenal's 4-1 pre-season friendly win over Girona, Arteta said: '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.'
Despite Arteta's faith, transfer expert Carlo Pellegatti claims Arsenal have held advanced talks with RB Leipzig, while AC Milan have also been in contact. The Gunners are reportedly seeking between £30m and £35m for Nwaneri, with a buy-back clause of around £50m.
Midfield Competition
Nwaneri faces stiff competition at Arsenal, with Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Eberechi Eze, and Myles Lewis-Skelly all ahead of him in the pecking order. The midfield ranks are set to strengthen further with a potential deal for Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes.
Earlier in the summer, Arsenal legend Alan Smith suggested a sale was possible, telling BestBettingSites: 'As an academy product, it's pure profit, isn't it? And he hasn't had much of a sniff at all and then went out on loan. I think as a manager, as a club, you're always a bit reluctant to let a talent like that go who you've nurtured, but with the financial regulations it could free up money to buy elsewhere. So we'll see on that. But the player himself might feel that he could do with a move if he feels the gaffer doesn't really have trust in him.'
