Another European powerhouse enter race for Arsenal midfielder before transfer deadline

Fenerbahce have opened talks with Arsenal over a late move for Ethan Nwaneri as the Turkish giants look to strengthen their squad before the transfer deadline.

Turkish journalist Samet Cayır initially reported that Fenerbahce had enquired about the availability of an unnamed foreign Arsenal player under the age of 23, with discussions taking place between the clubs.

Cayır subsequently identified the player as Nwaneri and claimed that Fenerbahce are holding transfer talks with Arsenal over the 19-year-old.

There has not yet been confirmation of an agreement between the clubs or the precise structure of the proposed move, although Arsenal have been considering Nwaneri’s future throughout the closing stages of the window.

Earlier reports have suggested that Arsenal’s preference was to consider loan proposals rather than permanently sell their academy graduate, despite substantial interest in him.

AC Milan, RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund and Fulham were among the clubs credited with showing interest, with Arsenal believing regular senior football could benefit Nwaneri’s development.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta also left the door open to a temporary departure when discussing the youngster’s situation earlier this month.

“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 said.

Nwaneri’s situation comes after he spent the second half of last season on loan at Marseille, where his opportunities eventually became limited following changes at the French club.

The England Under-21 international had previously enjoyed an outstanding breakthrough campaign at Arsenal in 2024/25, scoring nine goals in 37 appearances across all competitions before signing a new long-term contract.

That deal underlines Arsenal’s long-term investment in a player who has been at Hale End since the age of eight and became the youngest footballer in Premier League history when he made his senior debut aged 15 years and 181 days.

Nwaneri has nevertheless faced increased competition for attacking minutes, making another loan a possibility as Arsenal attempt to find the right environment for his development.

Fenerbahce could offer European football and regular senior minutes, but they may still have to convince Nwaneri that another move abroad is the right step after his difficult spell in France.

With the deadline approaching, the coming hours should determine whether Fenerbahce’s talks develop into a formal agreement or Arsenal instead pursue another solution for the highly-rated teenager.

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