Ethan Nwaneri move is still a real possibility despite Arsenal contract progress, ‘don’t be surprised…’

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Ethan Nwaneri’s future is one talking point at Arsenal as the summer transfer window heats up.

After a breakthrough 2024/25 season, there were next to no doubts that Nwaneri’s future was at Arsenal. 

Nwaneri is yet to sign a new contract at his boyhood club, with plenty of other sides watching closely from afar in case an opportunity arises. 

The 18-year-old’s game time reduced towards the end of last season, which caused some concern among fans, particularly as Mikel Arteta’s attack is being bolstered in the summer transfer window.

Arsenal could still send Ethan Nwaneri on loan 

Borussia Dortmund have presented the Jude Bellingham pathway to Nwaneri, who has a lot of suitors in Germany.

Despite concerns, it’s understood that Nwaneri will sign a new contract at Arsenal, but that doesn’t necessarily rule out a move for the teen. 

Speaking on KS1 TV, journalist Steve Kay shared his thoughts on the Hale End graduate’s future, admitting that he wouldn’t be surprised if one thing happened.

“I’m sure Arteta will do the right thing, but from how the transfer window is going, don’t be surprised if he does go out on loan, you know, especially if certain other players come in.”

Kay sees an opening for Nwaneri to leave Arsenal on loan this season to gain experience and consistent game time elsewhere, which would be a fascinating situation.

Rarely do players capable of competing at the highest level leave the Arsenal squad temporarily, making the pathway a difficult one to envisage, but stranger things have happened. 

Loans rarely serve their purpose for Arsenal 

Excluding William Saliba, who left Arsenal on three loan ventures after signing and returned a better player, the Gunners’ luck when loaning players out is rather low.

Over the previous two seasons, Arsenal’s hierarchy has sanctioned 12 loan moves, and on seven occasions, the players’ market value has fallen, as per Transfermarkt data. 

Players sent out on loan at Arsenal incredibly rarely return to make a name for themselves, which is a real concern in the case of Nwaneri.

While it would be a shock to see the teen leave temporarily, the Englishman will be desperate to tie down consistent game time, particularly with the 2026 World Cup in sight.