Manchester City are not done in this summer’s transfer market.
After experiencing a tough 2024/25 campaign, Pep Guardiola set about making sure that doesn’t happen again during the upcoming season, as the legendary coach saw four new stars added to his squad before the Premier League giants began their FIFA Club World Cup campaign.
City’s squad are currently on holiday until the end of July; however, things have not stopped behind the scenes at the Manchester club, as Man City are keen on signing a right back, while several players still need to be offloaded.
A situation regarding a star Guardiola has an interest in at one of Man City’s Premier League rivals may also tempt a move, but it would be best if they avoided the player for now.
Ethan Nwaneri in action for Arsenal v Bolton Wanderers.
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Ethan Nwaneri could leave Arsenal this summer
Ethan Nwaneri’s future is in doubt at Arsenal as the youngster wants a guarantee of gametime before putting pen to paper on a new contract at the Emirates Stadium, with his current deal expiring in 2026.
Fabrizio Romano has reported that Chelsea are the frontrunners for the 18-year-old should he decide to leave the Gunners; however, Man City could get involved in the race should the Englishman’s decision be made public, as Guardiola has had an interest in the player for some time, reports the Daily Mail.
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🚨🔵 Chelsea have been showing interest in Ethan Nwaneri situation, only in case new deal won’t be sealed with Arsenal.
Nwaneri & Arsenal, in talks over new deal while player wants game time guaranteed.
Separate deal from Madueke who agreed personal terms with Arsenal. 🤝🏻 pic.twitter.com/yDjopPHTNK
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 5, 2025
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Mikel Arteta will be keen to keep Nwaneri as the Spanish coach is a big fan of the player, evident in his words after the 18-year-old scored on his first Champions League start back in January.
“That’s what we love about him – he’s very aggressive. Before that [goal], he had another action where he made the right choice, he went for it,” the Arsenal boss said via the BBC.
“He never [looks nervous], he’s so composed, calm and confident in his ability. At 17, scoring a really important goal in the Champions League is not very common.”
Signing Nwaneri would be a big coup for Man City ahead of the new Premier League season, but the youngster is not a player the Manchester club needs at present.
Manchester City do not need to sign Ethan Nwaneri
Man City signed Rayan Cherki from Lyon this summer, and the French star plans to play in the 10 role at the Premier League club, but he can also be used on the right wing. This is similar to Phil Foden and Oscar Bobb; therefore, making a move for Nwaneri would make no sense.
This is especially true when you consider City are in need of a right-back, which is a role the Manchester club’s funds should be saved for.
This summer, Man City have been making signings that can make an instant impact in Guardiola’s squad, which is not the case for Nwaneri, who would be used in a support role for the majority of the 25/26 campaign, which is a job Bobb can also fulfil.
Nwaneri is out of contract at Arsenal until 2026, and if Man City really want the English talent, they should try and hold out until then, even though the winger is expected to make a move this summer if he doesn’t sign a new deal in North London.
The Arsenal star is undoubtedly a top talent, but if it becomes public knowledge that the 18-year-old is open to leaving the Gunners over the coming weeks, Man City need to resist temptation, as Guardiola does not need the youngster at present.