Mishel Nduka: Arsenal U18 and England-Nigeria midfielder linked with Man City move

Mishel Nduka, the England-Nigeria attacking midfielder currently with Arsenal U18, is being linked with a move to Premier League champions Manchester City. The 16-year-old is attracting interest after breaking into Arsenal’s youth ranks and featuring across domestic and European youth competitions this season.

Nduka, who operates in an attacking midfield role and is right-footed, has been involved for Arsenal at U18 level in the U18 Premier League and has also featured in Premier League 2 and the UEFA Youth League. His current campaign includes appearances across all three competitions, underlining his growing involvement in the club’s academy setup.

The teenager formally joined Arsenal’s U18 side ahead of the 2026–27 season, progressing from the club’s youth ranks after arriving from Charlton Athletic in September 2025. His rapid rise through the age groups at Arsenal has now coincided with interest from one of the Premier League’s leading academies.

Manchester City’s interest comes at a time when both clubs are continuing to invest heavily in youth development, with competition for highly rated prospects increasingly intense between top-flight academies. Any move for Nduka would add another layer to the ongoing battle between Arsenal and City to secure emerging talent at youth level.

Nduka’s current deal with Arsenal U18 has not been disclosed publicly, and there is no indication that a transfer is imminent, but his performances across youth competitions have ensured that his situation is being closely monitored.