West Ham hoped to sign an Arsenal star this January transfer window.placeholder image
West Ham hoped to sign an Arsenal star this January transfer window. | Getty Images
Arsenal and West Ham United both face a hugely important second half of the season
For London rivals Arsenal and West Ham United, the remainder of the 2025/26 season could prove to be a momentous one in their respective recent histories, for the right or the wrong reasons.
As for Nuno Espirito Santo’s West Ham, a first relegation in 15 years is becoming a distinct possibility unless things are turned around quickly at the London Stadium. Without a Premier League win in over two months, victory over Championship QPR after extra time in the FA Cup will have done little to ease concerns in east London.
The Hammers have reportedly expressed interest in signing an Arsenal star this January according to reports.
West Ham offer for Ethan Nwaneri loan deal rejected by Arsenal
Reports by football.london state that West Ham have seen an advance ‘rebuffed’ to take Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri on loan this month. The Hammers are one of ‘a number of clubs’ to have shown interest in a move for the 18-year-old, who has played just 515 minutes for the Gunners this term.
Arsenal’s youngest-ever debutant penned a new long-term deal at the Emirates back in August but has seen his role within the squad diminish this term amidst the arrival of signings such as Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke.
Reporting continues that the Gunners have received significant loan interest in the player this month but a deal will not necessarily be struck, amidst the belief around the club that a loan may not be ‘essential’ for Nwaneri’s development. Bournemouth have been amongst those often touted as holding an interest, though they have ‘played down’ links. West Ham are reported to be the club who have come forward with a concrete proposal to Arsenal and Nwaneri, but discussions ‘failed to bear fruit’.
Arteta praises Nwaneri and claims ‘every player is important’ amid exit links
Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s 3-2 win at Bournemouth on January 3, Arteta addressed the prospect of him weakening his title-challenging squad mid-season: "Every player is very important, every player has a role. That role can change throughout the season for different reasons and everybody has to be ready to play."
That fact appears to remain true for Nwaneri, who impressed in a start in the 4-1 FA Cup third round at Portsmouth and played 69 minutes, looking sharp despite his lack of game time in recent months.
Arteta said of the starlet at full-time: "He deserved that. Because of the strength of the squad and the players that are in the positions, he hasn't been able to play. Today he's done it, and I think he had some very good minutes."
Nwaneri declared on signing his new deal last year that there was “no better place” for his development than Arsenal, and there has been no indication that the tune has changed from either player or club since then. But with over two weeks of the transfer window still to come, the situation could yet develop quickly.
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