Arsenal are set to lose another highly-rated academy prospect, with Mishel Nduka expected to join Manchester City.
The 16-year-old midfielder has decided to leave the Gunners despite Arsenal’s attempts to secure his long-term future.
Nduka joined Arsenal’s academy from Charlton Athletic in September 2025 after spending eight years with the south London club.
He quickly impressed after arriving in north London and was viewed as one of the more exciting young players in his age group.
The skilful midfielder regularly featured for Arsenal’s Under-18s last season despite playing above his age category.
He made 10 appearances at that level and also earned involvement with the Under-21 squad on two occasions.
Nduka was also handed experience in the UEFA Youth League, featuring for Arsenal’s Under-19s against Club Brugge in December.
His progress has not gone unnoticed at international level either.
The midfielder has already made seven appearances for England’s Under-16s, further underlining his reputation as one of the country’s promising young talents.
Arsenal had been keen to keep Nduka, whose scholarship terms expired on June 30.
However, the teenager has opted to continue his development elsewhere, with City now expected to secure his signature.
The move comes during a difficult period for Arsenal’s academy.
Kyran Thompson is also set to leave the club for Tottenham Hotspur, while Leicester City attacker Jeremy Monga, who had been strongly linked with Arsenal, is heading to Manchester City.
Those exits will be a source of frustration for the Gunners, particularly after the club invested heavily in youth recruitment over the past year.
There has also been significant change behind the scenes at Hale End.
Per Mertesacker left his role as academy manager this summer after eight years, creating uncertainty during a crucial period for contract talks with young players.
Arsenal have since appointed Pascal De Maesschalck as their new academy director, with the former Strasbourg technical director tasked with stabilising and strengthening the club’s youth pathway.
The Belgian arrives with a strong reputation for developing young talent after previous spells at Club Brugge and Monaco.
His appointment should provide clarity moving forward, but Nduka’s expected exit highlights the challenge Arsenal face in retaining elite prospects.
The Gunners still possess one of the strongest academy pipelines in England, with Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Max Dowman all showing the route to the first team.
However, losing another promising teenager to a direct rival will sting.
Arsenal must now ensure the next generation believe their best pathway remains in north London.