adminPremier League winner with Arsenal move to Newcastle United is reportedly the “favourite position” at the moment, with the Magpies holding “firm” talks to sign the Arsenal youngster this summer as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his squad with players of a “higher level.”
The player has made appearances in chunks for Arsenal since breaking through from the Hale End academy. However, he spent the second half of Arsenal’s title-winning season on loan in search of regular playing time.
The move did not go as planned for the 19-year-old. The departure of Roberto De Zerbi from Marseille significantly affected his opportunities, and Nwaneri did not feature in any of the club’s final four Ligue 1 matches. In total, he played just 322 minutes during his loan spell.
Back in March, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano stated that Arsenal intended to reintegrate Nwaneri into the squad for the upcoming season.
Romano said:
> “Yes, for Nwaneri it’s not an easy situation at present because he went to Olympique Marseille with the expectation of working under Roberto De Zerbi, and then De Zerbi decided to leave Marseille.
> So, it’s a completely different situation. Also, the expectation was for Marseille to continue their Champions League campaign, and then they got eliminated in the final minutes of the final game.
> So, it has been different compared to the expectations for Nwaneri. But, at the moment, I can guarantee that Arsenal maintain full confidence in the player.
> Arsenal are waiting for him to complete the season at Olympique Marseille and then return to the club. They believe in him 100%.
> The message from Arsenal is still optimistic. In the summer, they will speak with the player to determine the best situation for him, whether that’s staying at Arsenal or going on loan elsewhere.
> Arsenal maintain full trust in Ethan. Even if they understand it has been an unlucky loan spell, they still believe in his potential and nothing has changed regarding their long-term plans.”
However, TEAMtalk reported last week that Arsenal are now open to selling Nwaneri. Newcastle United, Everton, Aston Villa, and Serie A side Como are all believed to be interested in signing him.
Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness believes Newcastle are currently the frontrunners to secure Nwaneri’s signature.
Speaking to Football Insider, Wyness said:
> “My sources and I have made a few calls, and Nwaneri to Newcastle seems to be the favourite position right now. That’s where the talk is.
> Of course, these things can change pretty quickly, but I’m told that’s where the biggest, firmest discussions are taking place right now.
> I think that if Arteta is going to strengthen his squad, it’s going to be with players of a higher quality and a higher level than Nwaneri, although he’s a good player.
> He can do a better job at Newcastle, where he’ll get more minutes. That sort of move makes sense for him.”
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