Arsenal are preparing up to face Tottenham Hotspur in the north London derby on Sunday
Chris Burns Senior Sports Writer
06:00, 23 Nov 2025
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - NOVEMBER 04: Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between SK Slavia Praha and Arsenal FC at Eden Arena on November 04, 2025 in Prague, Czech Republic. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Ethan Nwaneri has been told to go out on loan in order to play more often(Image: Stuart MacFarlane, Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
As the Premier League returns this weekend, Arsenal are gearing up for the season's first north London derby. Regardless of the outcomes across Saturday and Sunday, the Gunners will remain at the top of the table, having entered the third international break of the season as the leaders.
Despite a 2-2 draw at Sunderland earlier this month, their lead over second-placed Manchester City remained intact. After finishing in second place for three consecutive years, the Gunners are now firmly setting their sights on the Premier League title.
This season, Arsenal's squad depth has been widely praised. However, calls have been made for Mikel Arteta to sanction a loan for one star who has found first team opportunities somewhat hard to come by so far this term. In other news, Arsenal could be poised to make a substantial profit through a former player.
Nwaneri move proposed
Arteta has been advised to sanction the loan departure of Ethan Nwaneri, whose development is being hindered by a lack of playing time this season.
Nwaneri, who became the Premier League's youngest ever player when he debuted in 2022, has continued to impress when given the chance. However, the arrivals of Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze have pushed Nwaneri, who netted nine times in 37 appearances last season, further down the pecking order.
L-R Max Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal during a training session
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Max Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri could benefit from a loan move according to an ex-Arsenal star(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
It is understood that Arsenal would be willing to allow the 18-year-old to depart on a temporary basis. Former Gunner Lauren believes it would benefit Nwaneri - and possibly Arsenal's other teenage sensation, Max Dowman - to leave the Emirates on loan.
He said: "First of all, youngsters have to play to able to develop and improve his qualities. We know about his qualities. A young player needs to play if he is to develop. At this moment of time, it's very difficult for him to pop up into the team because there is a top player now.
"There are more good players in the last third so for him it's more difficult, and it's the same with Dowman. It's not a bad idea to go on loan and then to play the games that you need to develop. Maybe he might come back. It's not the end of the world. I believe it could be a good option for a youngster to move along and then come back later on."
Gunners in line for transfer profit
Arsenal are set for a handsome return as former right-back Brooke Norton-Cuffy draws attention from several top Italian sides. The England U21 international departed the Gunners for Genoa in August 2024 in a transfer worth an initial £1.75million plus a further £1.75m in add-ons.
Norton-Cuffy has impressed in Serie A, featuring in every minute of Genoa's league fixtures so far. His performances have reportedly compelled Inter Milan and Juventus to take notice.
Brooke Norton-Cuffy
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Brooke Norton-Cuffy has impressed for Genoa(Image: Franco Romano/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Should Norton-Cuffy decide to transfer, Arsenal are set to receive an undisclosed percentage of the fee due to a sell-on clause negotiated with Genoa.
The reigning Italian champions, Napoli, have also been linked with the player amidst unverified claims that Antonio Conte's team has had a verbal bid of around £8.8m rejected.
Before his move to Genoa, Norton-Cuffy had loan spells at Lincoln City, Rotherham United, Coventry City and Millwall. When he chose to leave the Gunners in 2024, there was interest from a number of French and Bundesliga clubs.
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