Arsenal have knocked back an “official proposal” from AC Milan for attacking midfielder Ethan Nwaneri, according to reports in the Italian media.
Gazzetta Dello Sport claim that the Serie A giants offered a loan deal, which included an option to buy for €40m (£34m).
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However, the Gunners “have not taken” the bid “into consideration”, and Milan are now said to be looking at alternative targets.
Nwaneri is available for transfer, with trusted BBC journalist Sami Mokbel having confirmed that the Premier League champions have “invited offers” from teams for the 19-year-old, along with teammate Gabriel Martinelli.
The Arsenal star has recently been praised by his manager
Speaking after the 1-1 friendly draw against Como midweek, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta complimented the teenager on his reaction following a failed loan spell at Marseille last season:
“He’s been really good. Probably what happened on the field, on his loan in Marseille, wasn’t what was expected. There was a lot of noise and change around the club. But he looks different. He looks more mature. He’s incredible at that. It’s what six months can do to you.”
“It’s a different experience on board to be on your own, to go through tough times and just to witness that there’s another part of football that you have to be good enough to cope with. I’m very happy with what he’s done in pre-season.”
Nwaneri does have other suitors
Milan are not the only club pursuing the midfielder’s signature, with the likes of Fulham, Galatasaray, RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund also reportedly keen on signing him before the transfer window closes.
It is believed that while Arsenal are willing to sell Nwaneri, they would prefer a buy-back clause or (at the very least) a first option to ensure there is an avenue to re-sign him in the future.