Ethan Nwaneri is expected to leave Arsenal before the transfer window closes after being omitted from Mikel Arteta’s squad for Sunday’s Community Shield victory over Manchester City.
The 19-year-old was fit and had featured throughout Arsenal’s pre-season campaign, but he was not involved as the Premier League champions beat Manchester City 3-0 in Cardiff.
According to talkSPORT, Nwaneri is now expected to leave north London before the summer window shuts.
That marks another significant development in an Ethan Nwaneri Arsenal transfer saga which has accelerated over the past few days.
Ethan Nwaneri Arsenal exit edges closer
Nwaneri’s omission came only days after Arteta openly admitted Arsenal must be able to provide the midfielder with regular football if they are going to keep him.
ReadArsenal reported on Saturday that Arteta had raised fresh doubts over Nwaneri’s future, with the manager insisting the Hale End graduate needs consistent minutes at this stage of his career.
Nwaneri signed a long-term Arsenal contract last summer and remains tied to the club until 2030, meaning the Gunners are under no contractual pressure to sell.
The issue is opportunity.
Competition has intensified following Arsenal’s summer recruitment, while Nwaneri returned from an underwhelming loan spell at Marseille needing a clearer pathway into Arteta’s senior side.
His complete absence from the Community Shield squad now provides the strongest indication yet that a departure could be approaching.
AC Milan and Dortmund among Nwaneri suitors
There should be no shortage of options if Arsenal sanction an exit.
AC Milan have already made enquiries over Nwaneri. ReadArsenal covered Milan’s approach at the end of July, after transfer journalist Matteo Moretto revealed the Serie A side had made contact to understand his situation.
RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund and Fulham have also been linked with the England international.
Dortmund’s interest is particularly notable given their established reputation for providing opportunities to talented young players, while Milan would offer another major European destination.
Galatasaray have also entered the picture.
ReadArsenal reported this week that Nwaneri had been discussed during Arsenal’s transfer conversations with the Turkish champions, alongside Gabriel Martinelli and Victor Osimhen.
Arsenal now face an important decision over whether Nwaneri’s next step should be another loan or a permanent departure.
The club have previously considered listening to permanent offers, but a sale of one of Hale End’s most highly rated graduates would inevitably carry long-term risk.
For Nwaneri, however, the immediate priority is becoming clear.
Arteta said he needs football. Sunday’s omission suggests those minutes may now have to come somewhere other than Arsenal.
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