Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Fri 26 December 2025 12:42, UK

Ethan Nwaneri will likely be the subject of several loan offers in the January transfer window as he struggles for game time at Arsenal.

In October, Nwaneri shone as Arsenal beat Brighton 2-0 in the Carabao Cup, with the youngster netting his side’s first goal.

But despite his strong performance, the England youth international has featured just four times since as Mikel Arteta looks to provide rotation elsewhere.

Nwaneri signed a new Arsenal contract in the summer, but he could now push for a loan move in January as his development stalls.

Myles Lewis-Skelly has also been linked with a potential Arsenal exit, but the left-back enjoys a far more prominent role in Arteta’s squad.

Premier League clubs circle Ethan Nwaneri

Nwaneri was mentioned in conversations about Thomas Tuchel’s England squad last season, such was his rise astronomic.

During the 2022/23 season, the midfielder became the youngest Premier League player when he made his debut against Brentford aged just 15.

Consistent minutes finally arrived last season, however, with Nwaneri featuring regularly off the bench in the Premier League and the Champions League group phase.

His first goal would come against Nottingham Forest in November 2024, but his fantastic strike in a 5-1 win over Manchester City would prove his readiness for involvement.

Amid an injury crisis, Nwaneri became a regular on the right of the attack, providing a constant threat and quickly establishing himself among the most exciting young talents in the Premier League.

He scored nine goals in 37 appearances across all competitions, but the Gunners have always suspected that his long-term future lies in the midfield.

Following the arrival of Eberechi Eze, those chances have become hard to come by, and a loan now feels as if it could be the ideal solution for Nwaneri’s development.

According to The Athletic, the Englishman features on several clubs’ wanted lists.

Which Premier League club would be ideal for Nwaneri?

If Nwaneri is to be loaned out, Arsenal will have a long list of considerations to ensure he is going to the right place.

A move to Europe could be a possibility, but given his proximity to the Arsenal starting XI, it can be assumed that decision-makers would prefer to develop him in the Premier League.

Wolves, for example, would undoubtedly provide playing time, but placing a young midfielder into an increasingly toxic environment could be detrimental.

The argument would be different for Leeds United, who could do with a player like Nwaneri, but Daniel Farke has been known to stick to what he knows.

Perhaps Fulham, where the 18-year-old would have two former Arsenal academy graduates by his side in Alex Iwobi and Emile Smith Rowe.

Although Marco Silva‘s system may well lead to Nwaneri being forced into a straight shoot-out with both players for minutes.

The best option may, in fact, be Bournemouth. The Cherries are without a win in their last eight, yet the fans retain confidence in Andoni Iraola, who is a progressive coach known for placing his trust in young players.

Given the upcoming departure of Antoine Semenyo, the Spaniard’s side are in need of an extra bit of oomph in the final third, and Nwaneri could be wearing the right boots to provide it.

Competition will be high, but Bournemouth could be just the place for the youngster to take the next step in his development.