Mikel Arteta_v5
Ethan Nwaneri transfer news has taken a turn. Nicolo Schira has rejected claims linking the 19-year-old Arsenal midfielder with AC Milan, saying the club do not regard him as a target. Milan has featured heavily in speculation, with reports suggesting Arsenal have received contact over a possible move.
Fabrizio Romano, however, has reported that Nwaneri is expected to leave Arsenal. Romano says Milan did make contact with Arsenal, while clubs have shown interest and more proposals could arrive before deadline day. So the picture looks less like a Milan chase and more like a crowded market around a player who needs senior football.
Ethan Nwaneri transfer news: why Milan may not lead the race
Schira’s update changes the angle rather than ending the story. Arsenal face a selection issue because Nwaneri needs minutes, and Mikel Arteta has already stressed that point. After his omission from the Community Shield win over Manchester City, Arteta said the midfielder needs to play and suggested staying only makes sense if Arsenal can provide those opportunities.
Nwaneri made 12 Arsenal appearances in 2025-26, starting four and making no Premier League start before joining Marseille in January. Arsenal have since added Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis, increasing the competition for attacking midfield and wide positions.
Ethan Nwaneri transfer news: the loan case looks stronger
His Marseille spell produced two goals and one assist in nine Ligue 1 appearances across 324 minutes. He had already helped England Under-21s win the 2025 European Championship, while his 2024-25 Arsenal campaign brought nine goals in all competitions.
A permanent exit makes little sense. Arsenal renewed his contract through 2030 in August 2025, so the club have room to control his development. A loan therefore looks more logical, especially if the destination can give him 1,500 minutes across domestic and European football.
Ethan Nwaneri transfer news: Arsenal should protect the upside
Dortmund or Leipzig could offer a clearer pathway than a stop-start role in north London, while Arsenal retain control of his future.
Read: £20m deal for Arsenal outcast faces major hurdle
For Arsenal, the priority should be regular football, continued contract control and a review next summer. Milan may have made contact, as Romano reports, yet Schira’s denial means a move there should not be treated as the leading outcome. Nwaneri needs matches, not headlines, and Arsenal need a loan that gives him responsibility rather than another season of scattered minutes.