Arsenal
are leaning toward loaning Ethan Nwaneri, with the Premier League champions reluctant to sanction a permanent exit for the teenage attacker.
The 19-year-old academy graduate has been at the centre of intense transfer-window speculation, drawing strong interest from clubs across the Premier League and Europe.
Scrutiny over Nwaneri’s situation increased after he was omitted from the matchday squad for the Community Shield victory over
Manchester City on Sunday.
Within
Arsenal there is recognition that consistent senior minutes would accelerate his development at this stage of his career.
However, given Mikel Arteta’s wealth of attacking options, substantial game time for Nwaneri this season appears unlikely, and there is a growing feeling at Emirates Stadium that a loan would serve him well.
Even so,
Arsenal’s stance could change if a bid arrives that significantly exceeds their valuation of the attacking midfielder.
Arteta said last week that he wants Nwaneri to remain at the club, while also stressing the need to weigh what is best for the player’s medium- and long-term development.
AC Milan, RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund and
Fulham are among the sides to have registered interest.
It is widely understood that
Arsenal are pursuing player sales this summer, adding uncertainty to Nwaneri’s short-term prospects.
Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Fabio Vieira are among those the club would be open to moving on.