Mikel Arteta has £25m solution to pressing Arsenal issue – but it is bad news for Ethan Nwaneri

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Arsenal could be tempted to investigate one emerging transfer development in Europe.

Mikel Arteta has his work cut out before the January transfer window as Arsenal hunt a replacement for Edu Gaspar.

The club’s sporting director left his post, which was a decision that shocked many given that the 2024/25 season is underway.

Arteta admitted his surprise at Edu’s departure, with there work to be done not only to recruit on the pitch but behind the scenes too. 

Rayan Cherki should be looked at by Arsenal

There’s a lot to be done in the upcoming transfer window as Arsenal’s lack of depth has become a glaring issue just 12 weeks into the season.

One of the clearest indicators of the Gunners’ squad struggles was Martin Odegaard’s injury, leaving Arteta without his key creator for six weeks of action.

Without the Norweigan, the North Londoners struggled as Odegaard’s importance to Arsenal became impossible to ignore.

A replacement for the playmaker’s presence was untraceable, which should inspire the manager to consider a transfer development happening in France. 

Journalist Florian Plettenberg reported that Olympique Lyonnais cannot rule out a winter move for Rayan Cherki, whom they value at €30m (£25m) – according to Foot Mercato. 

Cherki has been praised by Thierry Henry in the past, with his form for Lyon something to marvel at, particularly when it comes to what Arsenal are missing in terms of creative depth.

Adding competition and an alternative to Odegaard’s profile would be of great use to Arteta however, it wouldn’t benefit everyone, particularly emerging talent Ethan Nwaneri.

Competition could be detrimental to Ethan Nwaneri

Nwaneri has been branded ‘special’ by some household names such as Alan Shearer although, the teenager’s journey to consistent first-team minutes must be managed wisely.

At this moment, it must be pondered as to whether signing competition for Odegaard would be positive for the teenager given where his Arsenal career is at. 

Arteta is dedicated to treading carefully with Nwaneri, who has already scored four times at senior level this season.

That being said, there’s little indication that the 17-year-old needs to be eased in gently, considering how impactful he’s been when called into action in the first team.

For that reason, the manager has to place more trust in the Hale End superstar, who is certainly proving that the need for competition in the attacking midfield area should be reduced.