Arsenal could sell £50m midfielder before deadline, accept his pathway may be congested
Arsenal are open to selling midfielder Ethan Nwaneri before the transfer deadline on September 1.
The Gunners have had a relatively quiet transfer window. The club have made just two new outfield additions in Christos Tzolis and Bruno Guimaraes.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta may want more signings in the near future, but this could coincide with departures, given the need to reduce squad size.
The Athletic today reveal Nwaneri’s situation is delicate. While Arsenal recognise his talent, there is an acceptance that his pathway may be congested.
Furthermore, the 19-year-old’s transfer would be recorded as pure profit in the club’s financial books, given academy players have a book value of zero.
Arsenal could part ways with Nwaneri with a buy-back clause
Nwaneri was largely out of favour during the first half of last season, and was loaned out to Marseille during the winter transfer window.
His time in Ligue 1 was frustrating too. He was a regular starter under manager Roberto De Zerbi, but his sacking contributed to a reduced role on the bench.
Nwaneri had a promising pre-season this summer with the Gunners, and received praise from manager Mikel Arteta after his showing against Borussia Dortmund.
Despite this, he could not make the matchday squad for the Community Shield against Manchester City, which is a clear sign that his short-term future could be elsewhere.
Nwaneri is currently behind Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze in the pecking order for the number 10 role, while Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke and Max Dowman are above him for the right wing spot.
It appears likely that Nwaneri will move on. Arsenal want as much as £50 million for their graduate. Fulham, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig are among admirers of the youngster.
Arsenal may seek a first refusal clause on Nwaneri, in our view. If they were to agree on a buy-back clause, the final sale figure could be lower. A £30-35m deal could be finalised in that case.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
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