Arsenal’s £75million move for Bruno Guimarães could have a significant consequence for Ethan Nwaneri as Mikel Arteta reshapes his midfield.
The Ethan Nwaneri transfer situation was already developing before Arsenal reached an agreement with Newcastle United for Guimarães. RB Leipzig are reportedly in advanced talks over a permanent move for the 19-year-old, with Arsenal considering a buy-back clause.
Adding another established midfielder only makes Nwaneri’s pathway at the Emirates more complicated.
Ethan Nwaneri transfer decision becomes clearer
Nwaneri returned to Arsenal this summer following a difficult loan spell at Marseille.
He has since featured during pre-season and scored against MK Dons, giving Arteta another opportunity to assess whether he can force his way back into the first-team picture.
However, competition is fierce.
Arsenal already have Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Martin Ødegaard and Eberechi Eze available centrally. Guimarães will provide another elite option once his move is completed.
ReadArsenal confirmed on Wednesday that Arsenal have agreed a £75m deal with Newcastle for Guimarães, with personal terms already in place.
Nwaneri can also operate from the right, but opportunities there are difficult to guarantee.
He needs regular senior football at this stage of his development. Remaining as one of several attacking midfield options could leave him facing the same problem which led to his Marseille loan in January.
Leipzig could offer Nwaneri clearer pathway
RB Leipzig’s interest therefore makes sense for both sides.
FootballTransfers reports that Leipzig are in advanced talks with Arsenal and could pay around €35m to €40m for Nwaneri.
Arsenal are also considering protecting themselves with a buy-back clause worth approximately €55m to €60m.
That could be crucial.
Selling one of Hale End’s most talented graduates would inevitably carry risk. Nwaneri remains only 19 and has already shown he can contribute at Premier League level.
Arsenal have, however, been open to making difficult academy decisions this summer. BBC Sport previously reported that the club would listen to offers for Nwaneri as Arteta looks to balance his squad and finances.
Leipzig would potentially give Nwaneri the regular minutes Arsenal cannot promise.
A buy-back clause would then allow the Gunners to benefit financially now without completely closing the door on a future return.
Guimarães is not the sole reason Nwaneri could leave Arsenal.
His arrival does, however, make the question surrounding Nwaneri’s pathway increasingly difficult to ignore.
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