Mikel Arteta has just all but confirmed Ethan Nwaneri will leave Arsenal this summer

Ethan Nwaneri is one of the hottest prospects in English football.

Nwaneri broke onto the scene as a 15-year-old and was widely expected to be the next major talent to cement a place in the Arsenal first XI.

However, after spending some of last season out on loan with Marseille and not exactly doing the business, there have been question marks over Nwaneri’s future with the Gunners.

The Gunners and Mikel Arteta do rate the teenager highly. But while the club do admire Nwaneri, it appears Arteta has all but confirmed he’s on his way.

Mikel Arteta’s latest comments suggest Ethan Nwaneri is leaving

One of the problems Nwaneri has got is that he doesn’t quite seem to have nailed down a position just yet.

While it’s good he is versatile, he isn’t specialised in any area yet and that might end up holding him back.

Add in Max Dowman’s emergence, and he might well need to move on. Indeed, Mikel Arteta has been speaking ahead of the Community Shield and suggested Nwaneri might well go.

“I want him to be at the club. But we have to consider in the medium, long term, what is best for the player as well,” Arteta commented.

“Ethan needs to play football. And if he stays here, it is because we can guarantee him that he can have those minutes”

With AC Milan reportedly keen on Nwaneri, there is a chance here for Nwaneri to move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Of course, Arsenal have developed the player and if he does leave permanently, it will need to be a huge fee.

Another loan might not work out. Arteta is right with what he says, and looking after Nwaneri’s future is important.

It very much feels a big summer for the youngster and ultimately, one which may end in him moving on.