Mikel Arteta has conceded Arsenal starlet Ethan Nwaneri could be sold this summer, admitting the club must accept ‘certain players’ will move on. The Premier League champions have strengthened their squad with the signings of Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis, while Piero Hincapie’s loan move was made permanent. Ilan Meslier has also arrived in goal on a free transfer.
Outgoing deals and interest in Nwaneri
There have been outgoing deals with Leandro Trossard and Christian Norgaard leaving for Besiktas and Everton respectively, with a host of other players possibly set to leave north London. Nwaneri made just six Premier League appearances – all from the bench – last season before joining Marseille on loan in January. Despite being regarded as one of the club’s brightest young prospects, Arsenal will consider cashing in on the midfielder with offers already coming in for his services.
Galatasaray have held talks over a move for the Hale End graduate, having also made a bid for Gabriel Martinelli, while AC Milan have also made a loan offer for the 19-year-old. Arsenal have also enquired into Victor Osimhen’s availability as part of their talks with the Turkish giants.
Arteta on Nwaneri’s future
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Community Shield clash with Manchester City, Arteta was quizzed on Nwaneri’s future, admitting first-team football is a priority for the player. ‘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.’
Nwaneri is not the only name linked with a move away. While it has been reported he does not want to join Galatasaray, Martinelli is another whose future is uncertain, with his countryman Gabriel Jesus could also leave. Myles Lewis-Skelly’s future has also been the subject of speculation, having been offered to Manchester United and Chelsea.
Further incomings and outgoings
Arsenal hope to oversee more incoming business, with Victor Osimhen the latest name being discussed after missing out on Vinicius Jr, while Julian Alvarez is still determined to join Barcelona. Asked if Arsenal must sell before they can make further recruitments, Arteta added: ‘Well we have certain possibilities that we have to explore. So far with the numbers we have, we are happy, but we have to accept that there are certain players that might have to move.’
Arsenal are also exploring a move for Bayer Leverkusen and England defender Jarell Quansah, but Arteta would not be drawn on the club’s pursuit of the defender.
