Ethan Nwaneri is reportedly expected to remain at Arsenal - despite Bournemouth loan interest - as speculation mounts with the January transfer window in full swing.
Ethan Nwaneri smiles during training.
Ethan Nwaneri has been linked with a loan move away from Arsenal.(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Ethan Nwaneri's future at Arsenal continues to be the subject of heavy speculation as the January transfer window continues. The Gunners, currently leading the Premier League table, have an opportunity to widen their lead with a win against reigning champions Liverpool on Thursday night (8pm).
Arsenal haven't been linked with many potential new signings to date this month. That's having already welcomed eight new players during the summer transfer window.
The signings of Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze may well have boosted Mikel Arteta's options for wide forwards, but that - in turn - has meant fewer opportunities for Nwaneri. The 18-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough term with the Gunners last year, netting nine goals in 37 appearances across all competitions.
However, this season, Nwaneri has only made 11 appearances - six of which were in the Premier League - and the teenager has yet to start a single top-flight match as yet this campaign. Consequently, The Independent says AFC Bournemouth are interested in bringing Nwaneri to the Vitality Stadium on loan for the rest of the season.
With Antoine Semenyo now on the brink of leaving the Cherries to join Manchester City in a £65million move, Bournemouth could use some reinforcements in their forward department.
Despite this, the same report suggests Nwaneri would prefer to stay put at Arsenal until the end of the season rather than leave the Emirates Stadium to join another club on loan.
Mikel Arteta and Ethan Nwaneri speak at training.
Mikel Arteta has handed little game-time to Ethan Nwaneri so far this season.
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(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arteta was recently quizzed about Nwaneri's future - including the possibility of the forward going out on loan before the transfer window shuts.
"Every player is very important, every player has a role," manager Arteta said.
"That role can change throughout the season for different reasons and everybody has to be ready to play."
Arteta made the comments before Arsenal secured a 3-2 victory over Bournemouth in the Premier League.
Nwaneri wasn't included in the Gunners' matchday squad for the second game running, having also been left out for the win against Aston Villa prior to the New Year.
Nwaneri's most recent outing for Arsenal was as a substitute on December 10 against Club Brugge in the Champions League, while his last Premier League appearance was a brief cameo on November 23 against Tottenham Hotspur.
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