Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal
Another report has claimed that AC Milan are interested in signing Arsenal forward Ethan Nwaneri, after the news broke on Thursday.
Corriere dello Sport confirm that Milan are scanning the international market for a left-footed attacking midfielder who can elevate Ruben Amorim’s options going forward. This is a specific request from the coach, who is currently busy in Australia but is in constant contact with Gerry Cardinale.
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It’s no coincidence that in recent weeks the Rossoneri have been persistently pursuing Konstantinos Karetsas and Kerim Alajbegovic, who are heading for Borussia Dortmund and Juventus respectively. Now, the latest target is Nwaneri.
Arsenal’s stance
The Gunners are deciding whether to keep him – with the risk of him getting limited playing time this season – or loan him out to allow him to develop. The playmaker has excellent technical ability, and that is why Arsenal want at least €35m to sell.
Premier League clubs like Fulham and Everton are keen, as well as German clubs like RB Leipzig. Milan are intent on adding a player with Nwaneri’s characteristics to their squad and while official negotiations haven’t started yet, there have been enquiries.
The 19-year-old is appreciated for his creativity and his ability to finish playing behind the striker, even though he had some difficulty adapting to Marseille last season. He made only 11 appearances, scoring two goals and one assist in 422 minutes.
The previous year, when he was at Arsenal, coach Mikel Arteta used him 37 times across the Premier League, domestic cups, and the Champions League. He scored nine goals in total, which many deemed to be a breakout campaign.
The other name being floated is Franco Mastantuono. The 18-year-old Argentine on his way out of Real Madrid but Los Blancos are trying to let him go out on loan, a deal that isn’t entirely convincing for the Rossoneri.
Milan would like to at least include an option or obligation to buy under certain conditions. Fiorentina and Roma in Italy are also interested, while other clubs in Europe are ready to make an attempt to sign him.
The player is reportedly pushing for a move to Serie A. He would be another technically gifted addition to Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation. Among the other names being considered is Matis Soulè, on his way out of Roma.