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Arsenal make decision on Ethan Nwaneri’s future

Arsenal have opted to prioritise a loan for Ethan Nwaneri in the remainder of the summer transfer window, rather than selling the teenager permanently.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 12: Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal FC and Como Calcio at Emirates Stadium on August 12, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

Sami Mokbel reports for the BBC that Arsenal are prioritising loan offers for Ethan Nwaneri this summer, with the Gunners opting against selling the player permanently.

Mokbel writes that Nwaneri has attracted major interest from across the Premier League and Europe this summer, and Arsenal accept that the player will benefit from playing regular minutes.

But the focus now is on finding a loan move, with only an exceptional offer significantly above their valuation likely to make a permanent transfer possible.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 09: Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal tackles Samuele Inacio of Borussia Dortmund during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal FC and Borussia Dortmund at Emirates Stadium on August 09, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Mokbel writes that AC Milan, RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund, and Fulham have all shown an interest in Nwaneri. That interest was likely for a permanent deal, but perhaps Fulham could be a good option for a loan, allowing the teenager to remain in the Premier League.

Fabrizio Romano had reported in recent days that Galatasaray had also made contact with Arsenal over Nwaneri, adding that the Gunners were bracing for Premier League bids.

Arsenal have never been open to a loan with an option to buy, but a straight loan is evidently now their preferred outcome.

girona fc v arsenal fc pre season friendly 2 1
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Nwaneri was left out of Arsenal’s Community Shield squad, and whilst he wasn’t the only one, it was noteworthy that those not included almost all have heavy transfer speculation surrounding them.

Other than the injured Jurrien Timber and William Saliba, and third-choice goalkeeper Illan Meslier, the players not included in the squad were Nwaneri, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, Fabio Vieira, and Reiss Nelson.

It seems very possible that all five players could leave before the September deadline, but in Nwaneri’s case, that should be on loan.

DUBLIN, IRELAND - AUGUST 05: Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal FC signs autographs for fans before the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal FC and Real Betis Balompie at Aviva Stadium on August 05, 2026 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Evan Treacy/Getty Images)
Photo by Evan Treacy/Getty Images
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