Ethan Nwaneri’s future at Arsenal is hanging by a thread. The 19-year-old, once hailed as the youngest player in Premier League history, now finds himself at the centre of a tug-of-war between multiple clubs. And Everton aren’t about to let this opportunity slip away a second time.
According to Football Insider and Corriere dello Sport, the Toffees are preparing an offer for the Arsenal academy graduate after missing out on him during the January window. But they won’t be the only club at the table. AC Milan, Fulham, and RB Leipzig have all registered interest, making this one of the summer’s most competitive transfer sagas.
From Record-Breaker to the Fringes
It’s easy to forget just how quickly Nwaneri burst onto the scene. He made his Arsenal debut against Brentford in September 2022 at just 15 years and 181 days old, shattering the Premier League’s youngest-ever player record.
His breakout 2024-25 campaign was impressive. Across 37 appearances, he bagged nine goals and two assists, earning a PFA Young Player of the Year nomination.
So what went wrong?
Arsenal’s summer spending happened. The arrivals of Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke pushed Nwaneri down the pecking order. He managed just 12 appearances in all competitions during the first half of the 2025-26 season before being shipped out on loan.
The loan destination? Olympique Marseille. The idea was solid: play under Roberto De Zerbi, follow in William Saliba’s footsteps, and come back sharper.
It didn’t work out. De Zerbi was sacked in February, and Nwaneri’s minutes dried up almost instantly. He made only nine Ligue 1 appearances, starting just three, and was left on the bench for Marseille’s final four matches.
What Arsenal Want and Who’s Willing to Pay
Arsenal have slapped a price tag of at least £30 million (€35 million) on Nwaneri, according to Corriere dello Sport. Some reports from The Times suggest the Gunners could push for as much as £50 million if a bidding war develops.
As a homegrown academy product, any fee received would count as pure profit on Arsenal’s books. That’s a significant factor for a club looking to balance the financial side while remaining competitive.
Transfer journalist Matteo Moretto laid out the competition clearly. He confirmed that AC Milan have made direct contact with Arsenal, while RB Leipzig, Fulham, and Everton are all monitoring the situation. However, the deal structures vary:
- Everton are preparing a permanent bid
- AC Milan reportedly prefer a loan with an option to buy
- Arsenal want a permanent sale, ideally with a buyback clause or sell-on percentage
- Fulham and RB Leipzig are also readying bids
Mikel Arteta once called Nwaneri a “big talent” and said the club “believes in him 100%.” But the emergence of Max Dowman from Arsenal’s academy, who plays in similar positions, has further complicated matters.
Why Everton Makes Sense
David Moyes’ side first tried to sign Nwaneri last January. They wanted him on loan, but Arsenal chose Marseille instead. Now, with Nwaneri back and available on a permanent deal, Everton are circling again.
The Toffees need attacking reinforcements. Their only new signing this summer has been Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough, alongside permanent deals for loanees Merlin Rohl and Tyrique George. Nwaneri could slot in on the right flank, an area Moyes has been looking to strengthen.
There’s a risk factor, though. Everton spent around £40 million on Tyler Dibling last season with limited return so far. Another big-money punt on a young talent carries pressure.
Still, Nwaneri’s experience sets him apart. He’s played Champions League football for Arsenal. He’s represented England at U21 level, scoring twice against Moldova in March. And he’s been involved in senior squad setups since he was 15.
With his contract at Arsenal running until 2030, the Gunners aren’t in a rush. But keeping an unhappy young player on the sidelines isn’t sustainable either. Expect a decision before the window closes.
This is a defining moment for Nwaneri’s career. Stay at a club where he can’t get minutes? Or take a chance somewhere he’s actually wanted? For Arsenal, it’s a question of short-term profit versus long-term regret. Either way, a resolution is coming soon.
