Arsenal face key decision over Ethan Nwaneri as European interest grows

Arsenal are considering whether to keep Ethan Nwaneri, send him out on loan again or sell the 19-year-old permanently after his disappointing spell at Olympique de Marseille.

Nwaneri has returned to London, but his future at Arsenal remains undecided. The club’s hierarchy is assessing several options for the England youth international, according to reports by Corriere dello Sport.

If Arsenal opt to make the attacking midfielder available for a permanent transfer, they would demand at least €35m. The London club are also keen to include a buy-back clause in any agreement, reflecting their belief that Nwaneri could retain significant value in the European transfer market.

That clause would allow Arsenal to regain control of the player’s future should he develop elsewhere and later reach a level that merits a return to the club. The immediate decision, however, is whether Nwaneri’s next step should come at Emirates Stadium, on another temporary move or with a new club on a permanent basis.

AC Milan have already requested information about the player’s situation and are among the clubs monitoring his availability. The Italian side are understood to be impressed by Nwaneri’s technical ability and regard him as one of the profiles who could strengthen their squad.

Milan are not the only club interested in the teenager. RB Leipzig, Fulham and Everton are also following developments closely as Arsenal weigh up their options.

Nwaneri is currently valued at €35m. His annual salary at Arsenal is reported to be €4,873,373, equivalent to 3,167,692,450 FCFA. His contract with the Gunners runs until 2030.

Arsenal’s choice will therefore determine whether the club continues to develop Nwaneri under its own supervision, gives him another opportunity to gain regular playing time elsewhere or accepts a substantial offer for a permanent departure. The possibility of retaining a buy-back provision would provide the club with an additional safeguard if it decided to sanction a sale.

For now, the player has returned to London following his spell with Olympique de Marseille, while interest from clubs in Italy, Germany and England places further focus on Arsenal’s decision.