Everton can take advantage of Ethan Nwaneri situation as Arsenal path looks increasingly unclear
Everton were linked with Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri in January and could well have another chance to sign him this summer.
The 19-year-old ultimately went to Marseille on loan in January and had started well, scoring on his debut in Ligue 1.
But Roberto De Zerbi’s February exit spelt bad news for the England youth international, and his replacement, Habib Beye, was reluctant to utilise the midfielder.
Nwaneri ultimately ended the season on the bench for the last four consecutive games, while the rest of his teammates at Arsenal won the Premier League.
Everton transfer chiefs will have been paying close attention to the situation at the Emirates Stadium, which is beginning to look increasingly unclear for the talent.
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VISIT THE EVERTON TRANSFER HUBEthan Nwaneri faces competition at Arsenal
Nwaneri signed a new contract at Arsenal last summer, tying him down until 2030 after a brilliant breakout season.
The teenager had been forced into the Gunners’ starting line-up amid several injuries and scored nine goals in just 37 appearances, including strikes in the Champions League and against Manchester City.
| Ethan Nwaneri | Stats – Premier League 2024-25 (per 90) |
| Goals | 0.40 |
| Shots | 2.43 |
| Chances created | 1.62 |
| Successful drbbles | 3.75 |
| Recoveries | 3.44 |
| Duels won | 5.77 |
Many of his appearances last season came from the right of the attack, but Nwaneri’s natural position is in the middle of the pitch, and Mikel Arteta planned to use him there going forward.
But the arrival of Noni Madueke limited any chances on the right, and big-money signing Eberechi Eze restricted access in the middle, leaving the midfielder with just 12 appearances by January.
Nwaneri will hope opportunities are still there at Arsenal next season, but the emergence of Max Dowman has created yet another issue.
The 16-year-old has exploded onto the scene and is already considered among the most exciting teenage talents in Europe, having taken the same path from right-wing to attacking-midfield.
Max Dowman. The youngest ever goalscorer in the Premier League. pic.twitter.com/UDBPUOWThk
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 14, 2026
Links to Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers have only further clouded Nwaneri’s path back to the first team at Arsenal, with a summer exit now looking increasingly likely.
Everton could be the right move for Nwaneri
Nwaneri may be exactly what Everton have been looking for. So often this season, the Toffees have got in the right areas, time and time again, without having the finish on the end of it.
In Nwaneri, they would have a brilliant ball-striker, more than capable of racking up high numbers in the right system.
Straight Outta Hale End. pic.twitter.com/t6Q5JrJJwj
— GunnerLEO (@Lucian_E_Oor) January 24, 2026
Under the management of David Moyes, the teenager could realise the potential that he has long been touted with.
However, Arsenal’s stance remains unclear. A sizeable offer would almost certainly convince them to sell, but a loan may still be their preference.
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