Mikel Arteta hints £50m midfielder could leave Arsenal

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has hinted at the possible departure of club graduate Ethan Nwaneri before the transfer deadline.

The 19-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Marseille, where he managed just 412 minutes in 11 appearances.

Nwaneri has caught the eye with his performances in pre-season this summer, but speculation remains over his future at Arsenal.

Speaking in the presser before the Community Shield against Manchester City, Arteta hinted at Nwaneri’s possible exit, citing the need for regular football to develop at the current phase of his career.

He said via Arsenal.com: “I want him to be at the club, but in the middle, long term, what is best for the player?

“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.”

Arsenal could consider Nwaneri sale with buy-back assurance

Nwaneri is primarily an attacking midfielder, but Arsenal are well-equipped in the department.

Martin Odegaard has had a bright pre-season and the Norwegian will likely start from the number 10 role. Eberechi Eze and Max Dowman can provide competition off the bench.

Nwaneri can also operate from the right wing, but he faces a similar situation. Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke and Dowman are ahead of him in the pecking order for the position.

Hence, Arteta is right with his judgement over Nwaneri’s need for regular playing time. Another loan deal could be a possibility, but a permanent move with a buy-back clause can’t be ruled out.

BBC Sport claim that Fulham, RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund are among the clubs interested. The Cottagers could emerge as an option if Arsenal want Nwaneri to gain more Premier League experience.

Leipzig have a good track record of developing young talents and may be preferred too.

The Times previously claimed that Arsenal want as much as £50m for Nwaneri. If a buy-back clause is included, a deal could be finalised for £35m before the transfer window closes, in our view.

In that way, the Gunners could secure a future buy-back option for around £50m.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

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