Bournemouth are trying to sign young talent of Arsenal Ethan Nwaneri in a very unique deal. The young talent played a key role in Bukayo Saka’s absence and was trusted by the coach, Mikel Arteta. Things changed when Arsenal’s star player Saka came back on the pitch. The player has been on the bench for most of the games since then. His latest game came in the Champions League against the Club Brugge. According to the reports, Bournemouth are trying to make a deal for the English winger. It would be interesting to see how the club’s management finalizes the deal.
Ethan Nwaneri had a breakout season last term when the Arsenal forward covered up so impressively for the injured Bukayo Saka. He played mostly on the right wing and scored nine goals in 37 appearances in all competitions to mark himself out as one of England’s most talented young players. Yet this season, his involvement has been limited. Nwaneri has made 11 appearances in all competitions, starting just three times across matches in the Carabao Cup and Champions League. He has played just 446 minutes and has scored one goal. The Gunners spent about £250m bringing in eight players over the summer to increase the depth in their squad, with Martin Zubimendi, Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, and even the younger Noni Madueke as “win now signings.” But those experienced arrivals of the players, and Arsenal’s success, have come at a cost to younger members of the squad like Nwaneri, who signed a new five-year deal in the summer as he committed his future to his boyhood club. Nwaneri’s future was under discussion before he signed the contract that will keep him in north London until 2030.
🚨@iamAlexHowell: It is understood Nwaneri is fully committed to succeeding at Arsenal and that if there was any chance of him leaving it would have been in the summer during discussions about his contract. 🔴⚪️
With the January window open and Nwaneri's lack of game time, there… pic.twitter.com/zIJUkK3Gwj
— David (@DTalkingArsenal) January 8, 2026
How the Arsenal player will fit into the Bournemouth system
Bournemouth are interested in Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri and open to a loan until the end of the season. Although the 18-year-old’s preference is to stay until at least the end of the season. The south-coast club are keen to reshape their attack amid the pending sale of Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City. There has been a feeling that a temporary deal for Nwaneri might make sense for all parties since he has found himself sidelined for Arsenal. Arsenal do not want to sell the player due to his obvious talent but do want to ensure he gets regular football. Those close to Nwaneri nevertheless see a loan as unlikely in this window. The player feels he can learn more as part of a serious title challenge, especially if Arsenal wins, and is content to be patient and assess his situation at the end of the season. If Nwaneri is to eventually move, there would be a preference for a move to a big club abroad. The teenager frustrated Borussia Dortmund when he signed a new contract in the summer, despite their previous interest. They will decide the player’s future in the upcoming weeks.
Fan’s reaction
The Arsenal fans are nervous with the situation of their young talent. They believe the player will add depth to the squad, as he can play in different roles for Mikel Arteta. They are a bit relieved after hearing the club is negotiating for a loan move instead of a permanent transfer for Bournemouth. Social media are buzzing over the news, with his highlights trending all over it.
Author’s insight
From the author’s point of view, this move might be beneficial for both the player and the club. With the winter transfer window coming to an end, the club’s management should seal the deal as soon as possible.
As featured on GoonerNews.com