Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs / Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith
Newcastle United must surely be on high alert as Arsenal are prepared to sell one of their most exciting youngsters who could be a game-changing signing for Matthias Jaissle.
It's been a difficult summer for the Magpies, who are in transition following the appointment of Jaissle as Eddie Howe's replacement. The latter made the surprising decision to resign amid the club selling three of his star players.
Anthony Gordon moved to Barcelona for £70 million, Sandro Tonali headed to Tottenham Hotspur for £100 million, and Bruno Guimaraes joined Arsenal for £75 million. That has left the squad lacking elite talent, and transfer business has been rather youth-focused, with the likes of Bazoumana Toure, 20, Aladji Bamba, 20, and Sean Streur, 18, arriving.
Newcastle can still keep their youth strategy in mind if they decide to pursue a deal for one of the Premier League's biggest prospects. It's a market opportunity staring the higher-ups right in the face.
Nwaneri is Perfect For Newcastle
Ethan Nwaneri
According to Fabrizio Romano, Ethan Nwaneri will leave Arsenal before the transfer window closes, and he has received plenty of interest from abroad. The English winger spent the second half of last season on loan at Marseille but isn't expected to be part of Mikel Arteta's plans moving forward.
Romano also revealed on his YouTube channel that AC Milan, German clubs, and Galatasaray have been in contact with Arsenal for Nwaneri. He expects Premier League clubs to come knocking now that the Gunners have opened the door to a sale.
Newcastle should be right in the mix to sign Nwaneri given his potential and he offers versatility, able to operate off the right flank but also as an eight or 10. His qualities make him a must-have and at just 19, he could be a long-term solution for the Tyneside outfit.
Anthony Elanga has failed to live up to expectations since arriving at St James' Park from Nottingham Forest for £52 million last summer. While replacing Guimaraes, Tonali and Gordon has been their priority, it's worth keeping the Swede's lack of form in mind.
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Ethan Nwaneri (Ligue 1 2025-26)
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Arteta's lack of faith in Nwaneri is surprising, given that he handed him his league debut at just 15 in September 2022. That makes him the youngest debutant in top-flight history, but he hasn't been given the opportunity to realise his potential for four years on.
It was only a year ago that Joe Cole had suggested Nwaneri was among the best youngsters in Europe. He said on TNT Sports:
Watching the teenage wonderkid star under Jaissle would frustrate a large section of the Emirates faithful, who are not fond of seeing their homegrown talent sold. It could be a perfect response to them nicking Guimaraes earlier this summer.
A New-Look Frontline That Could Get Europe
nick woltemade
A new-look frontline could make for entertaining viewing for the Toon Army next season if Newcastle were to bring Nwaneri to Tyneside. Jaissle might be the right manager to get the best out of Nick Woltemade following a disappointing debut campaign.
With Woltemade leading the line as a traditional target man, two pacey wingers are a must and Toure or Harvey Barnes seem destined to battle it out for the left-wing starting berth. Out on the right, the new coach will be hoping Elanga can rediscover his Forest form and if he continues to stutter, turning to Nwaneri would be an excellent option.
Matthias Jaissle Al Ahli 2025
Matthias Jaissle Al Ahli 2025
While this has the makings of a challenging upcoming season, a surprising return to European qualification contention can't be ruled out. Signings like Nwaneri are ones that help Jaissle take the team in a new direction and leave the past behind.