Arsenal favour Ethan Nwaneri loan as RB Leipzig revive interest

Arsenal are considering a loan move for Ethan Nwaneri after RB Leipzig revived their interest in the midfielder, but the potential deal now looks very different from the permanent transfer discussed earlier this summer.

Nwaneri has attracted interest from England and abroad as Arsenal attempt to identify the right next step for the 19-year-old.

The Standard reports that RB Leipzig are interested in signing Nwaneri on loan, although the Bundesliga club are also assessing other targets.

That represents a significant change in the structure of Leipzig’s previously reported interest.

ReadArsenal reported earlier this month that Leipzig had been linked with a permanent deal worth between €35million and €40m, potentially including an Arsenal buy-back clause.

🚨 @HandofArsenal: “Arsenal are busy with multiple offers from clubs inside & outside of the Premier League for Ethan Nwaneri. I was told if they loan him, EVERYTHING will be studied because of how bad the last loan went, even though Mikel Arteta thinks Nwaneri grew a lot as a… pic.twitter.com/Oeli5Tb7Hs

— afcstuff (@afcstuff) August 23, 2026

Ethan Nwaneri loan now preferred over permanent sale

Arsenal’s position has since shifted towards protecting Nwaneri’s long-term future rather than allowing one of their most promising academy graduates to leave permanently.

ReadArsenal reported on Sunday that Arsenal had received multiple offers for Nwaneri, with clubs from the Premier League and overseas exploring potential deals.

Leipzig can now be identified as one of the interested overseas sides.

However, their interest does not automatically make Germany the preferred destination. The Standard reports that Premier League clubs are also monitoring the situation, while Leipzig have alternative names on their shortlist.

Arsenal must therefore decide whether a Bundesliga move would offer Nwaneri a clearer development pathway than remaining in England.

Arsenal wary after difficult Marseille spell

Choosing the right club will be particularly important after Nwaneri’s experience in France.

BBC Sport reported that Nwaneri joined Marseille in January to gain regular senior football, but the move failed to deliver consistent opportunities.

ReadArsenal previously reported that Nwaneri made nine Ligue 1 appearances, scoring twice and registering one assist.

Arsenal will want clearer assurances over his role before agreeing to another temporary departure.

Leipzig’s willingness to consider a loan offers a different route from the permanent sale previously discussed. Whether that proposal becomes more concrete will depend on the opportunities they can offer Nwaneri.