Arsenal have decided to send 19-year-old midfielder Ethan Nwaneri out on loan for the upcoming season rather than sanction a permanent sale, according to manager Mikel Arteta.
The North London club prefer to secure regular competitive game time for Nwaneri following a challenging loan spell at French Ligue 1 side Marseille, where the teenager spent much of the second half of last season on the substitutes' bench.
Nwaneri was left out of Arsenal's matchday squad for their Community Shield victory over Manchester City in Cardiff on Sunday. Prior to the Gunners' win in the Welsh capital, Arteta hinted that the midfielder could be heading for an exit before the transfer window closes.
Arteta praised the teenager's ability and attitude, emphasizing his admiration for the young player's dedication. "It's unquestionable the talent, the desire, the love and the passion he has for the game. It's something that I've always loved about Ethan," Arteta said. "I think he's had some great games and he's shown everybody that he has the ability to be here."
Transfer interest and playing time guarantees
The Arsenal manager explained that any decision on Nwaneri's immediate future must balance the club's goals with the player's development. "I want him to be at the club but something that, in the medium-long term, is best for the player as well," Arteta stated. "Ethan needs to play football and if he stays here it's because we can guarantee that he can have those minutes. Otherwise it's just something that is not good for anybody I think."
A host of teams across Europe have monitored Nwaneri's situation. Premier League rivals Fulham and Everton both checked on the 19-year-old midfielder earlier in the summer. German Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig are among a raft of European clubs expressing interest, while Turkish Süper Lig side Galatasaray have also tracked the player recently.
Arsenal squad changes and transfer plans
While Arsenal intend to keep long-term control over Nwaneri via a loan deal, the club are actively looking to sell other senior players permanently. Forward Gabriel Jesus has emerged as a target for Italian Serie A club Napoli.
Meanwhile, winger Gabriel Martinelli has attracted interest from Qatari outfit Al Sadd alongside other suitors. However, Martinelli prefers to remain at Arsenal or move exclusively to a top European league if he leaves the club during the current transfer window.
