Arsenal could be about to lose one of their brightest academy products. RB Leipzig are reportedly in advanced talks to sign Ethan Nwaneri, with the deal potentially worth between €35 million and €40 million. But the Gunners aren’t letting go without a safety net.
Italian journalist Carlo Pellegatti, whose comments were reported by FootballTransfers, says Leipzig have moved into pole position ahead of AC Milan. The German club are ready to pay within that range.
Milan, meanwhile, would first need to offload Rafael Leao before funding a move. That puts Leipzig firmly in the driver’s seat.
So why Leipzig? The Bundesliga side reportedly see Nwaneri as a potential replacement for winger Yan Diomande, who’s expected to complete a move to Real Madrid.
They also value the 19-year-old’s versatility. He can operate centrally, as an attacking midfielder, or from the right wing — something journalist Matteo Moretto also highlighted in his reporting for CaughtOffside last week.
Moretto noted that Nwaneri isn’t considered untouchable at Arsenal. Fulham and Everton have also been linked, but it’s Leipzig who’ve pushed hardest.
Arsenal’s Smart Insurance Policy
Here’s where it gets interesting for Gunners fans. Arsenal are pushing for a buy-back clause reportedly worth €55-60 million.
It’s a strategy clubs across Europe have embraced. Sell now, bank the fee, and retain the right to re-sign a player if he fulfills his potential. Real Madrid perfected this approach years ago with players like Dani Carvajal.
Pellegatti laid out the thinking on his YouTube channel, as translated by Sport Witness. The plan would be to let Nwaneri develop at Leipzig for a year or two, then exercise the option to bring him back.
That tells you everything about how Arsenal still view this kid. He’s the youngest player in Premier League history, making his debut at just 15 years and 181 days against Brentford in September 2022.
Before turning 18, he’d matched John Radford’s long-standing club record of eight senior goals by a teenager, as detailed on Arsenal.com. You don’t insert a buy-back clause for someone you’ve given up on.
A Difficult Detour Through Marseille
Nwaneri’s stock may have dipped recently, but that’s largely down to circumstances beyond his control.
Arsenal sent him on loan to Marseille in January 2026, mainly because of Roberto De Zerbi. The Italian coach was the key reason the Gunners sanctioned the move. Mikel Arteta said so himself.
Then De Zerbi left. A humiliating 5-0 defeat to PSG in Le Classique proved the final straw. He departed by mutual consent just weeks after Nwaneri arrived.
Under replacement Habib Beye, Nwaneri’s minutes dried up badly. He finished the spell with just one goal in 189 minutes across four Ligue 1 appearances.
But the talent was never in question. He scored on his Marseille debut in a 3-1 win over Lens, and Arsenal legend Robert Pires praised his technical quality during the move.
Upon returning for preseason, Nwaneri curled in a fine goal against MK Dons at London Colney. Arsenal.com confirmed the strike came from a well-worked corner routine, with Nwaneri finishing from the edge of the box.
Where Does This Leave Everyone?
Competition at the Emirates is fiercer than ever this summer. Arsenal have already signed Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, and the likes of Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke block the path on the right.
Regular first-team football could be the smartest development path right now. Leipzig have a strong track record of nurturing young talent in the Bundesliga, which could suit all parties.
There’s also a financial element that makes this viable. Sky Germany has reported that Leipzig won’t spend more than €45 million on any individual signing this summer. That fits comfortably within the reported fee range.
Here’s a quick summary of where things stand:
- Leipzig are in advanced talks with Arsenal over a €35-40 million deal
- Arsenal want a buy-back clause worth €55-60 million
- AC Milan remain interested but can’t currently fund a move
- Nwaneri has returned from a difficult loan at Marseille
- He scored in preseason and remains highly rated at Hale End
- Leipzig see him as a potential Yan Diomande replacement
If the buy-back clause gets agreed, this could be shrewd business. Arsenal would pocket a significant fee, protect their long-term interest, and give one of Hale End’s finest the platform he needs.
The real question is whether Leipzig accept those terms — and how soon ink hits paper.
