According to a report by Metro on Sunday, August 16, 2026, Arsenal are weighing up Ethan Nwaneri’s future ahead of the closure of the summer transfer window after the 19-year-old was left out of the squad for the club’s Community Shield victory over Manchester City.

The England youth international has reportedly attracted interest from several European clubs following a challenging 2025/26 season. Nwaneri struggled to secure consistent first-team opportunities at Arsenal before joining Marseille on loan during the second half of the campaign.

Despite his limited opportunities recently, Nwaneri remains highly rated by Arsenal and is regarded as one of the most promising midfielders to have emerged from the club’s academy in recent years.

Nwaneri made history in 2022 when he became the youngest player to feature in a Premier League match at just 15 years old. He continued to develop within Arsenal’s system and gradually became involved with the senior team.

His breakthrough campaign came during the 2024/25 season, when he made 37 appearances in all competitions. His performances earned him a nomination for the PFA Young Player of the Year award and contributed to Arsenal handing him a new long-term contract.

However, his progress slowed during the following season. Nwaneri managed only six Premier League appearances before being sent to Marseille on loan in January in an attempt to give him more regular first-team football.

His time in France did not produce the expected number of opportunities, with the midfielder making just nine appearances for Marseille. Nevertheless, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta remained encouraged by his development and suggested that the experience had helped Nwaneri return to north London with greater maturity.

Arteta had already admitted before the Community Shield that Nwaneri’s future remained uncertain. The Arsenal boss expressed his desire to keep the youngster but also acknowledged that regular playing time would be vital to his continued development.

Several European clubs are reportedly monitoring the situation, with Galatasaray, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan among those linked with the midfielder. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has also indicated that Arsenal could be open to considering offers for Nwaneri following his omission from the Community Shield squad.

The Gunners are yet to decide whether Nwaneri should leave on another loan or make a permanent move. Should Arsenal opt for a permanent transfer, reports suggest they could negotiate a buy-back clause to preserve the possibility of bringing him back in the future.

Meanwhile, Arsenal’s summer recruits Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis made their debuts in the Community Shield win over Manchester City. Arteta was particularly impressed by Guimaraes’ energy and competitive character, believing the midfielder can help raise standards within the squad.

With the new Premier League season approaching and competition for places increasing, Arsenal face an important decision over Nwaneri’s future. The club must determine whether he is better off continuing his development at the Emirates or moving elsewhere in search of the regular first-team football that Arteta believes he needs.

Source: Metro