Arsenal approve Nwaneri to Newcastle loan

Arsenal have reportedly given Newcastle United permission to pursue a loan deal for Ethan Nwaneri before the transfer deadline, while apparently making clear that a permanent departure is not under consideration, which would fit with how we took Mikel Arteta‘s comments about the midfielder earlier this month.

The 19-year-old is back in north London after a difficult loan spell with Marseille, where he dropped out of the side after Roberto De Zerbi left. He is unlikely to get into the Arsenal first team this season unless there is a massive injury crisis.

Football Insider reporter Harri Burton reported: “Newcastle United have been given the green light to sign one of Arsenal’s best and brightest before the window slams shut.

“Sources say that Mikel Arteta’s side are prioritising a loan move for Nwaneri ahead of 2026-27, not wanting to sell him at this stage.

“There is acknowledgement that the 19-year-old needs regular football at this point in his career, and he can certainly get that at St James’ Park.”

However, Newcastle are not the only interested side.

Burton added: “Several clubs, including the Magpies and Everton, remain interested [in] Nwaneri’s signature, and there is time left to strike a deal.”

There are others across Europe, too, with Nwaneri looking like he will have a host of options to choose from as long as Arsenal give the OK, as they have seemingly done with Newcastle.

Nwaneri has made 51 appearances for the Arsenal first team, scoring 10 and assisting two since his breakthrough season in 2024/25.

He is under contract until 2030 after signing a new deal last summer.