‘I’ve made a few calls’ – Newcastle lead race to sign Ethan Nwaneri with Arsenal ‘discussions’ ongoing
Newcastle United are currently leading the race to sign Arsenal starlet Ethan Nwaneri on a loan deal this summer.
That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who has heard that the Magpies are in the “favourite position” in the race for the winger’s signature.
Nwaneri is extremely highly regarded at the Emirates Stadium, but saw his season stagnate after making a loan switch to Marseille in the January window.
The 19-year-old started just four games for the French giants in all competitions, managing two goals and an assist during his stint on the Riviera.
Nwaneri is now in Newcastle’s sights heading into the summer window, and Wyness feels that it is inevitable that his next loan spell comes in the Premier League.
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VISIT THE NEWCASTLE TRANSFER HUBNewcastle at centre of ‘firmest discussions’ for Ethan Nwaneri
Everton’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that the “firmest discussions” surrounding Nwaneri’s future currently involve Newcastle.
The likes of Everton, Aston Villa and Italian side Como have all been linked with the England U21 starlet of late, but Wyness is clear that it is Eddie Howe and Co. who are at the front of the queue.
| Stats | Nwaneri Totals |
| Apps (Starts) | 9 (3) |
| G/A | 3 |
| Chances Created per 90 | 1.4 |
| Successful Dribbles per 90 | 1.4 |
| Shots on Target per 90 | 0.84 |
| Duels Won % | 25.6% |
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, he made it clear that a move to St James’ Park could be an ideal fit for the wideman next term.
“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,” Wyness said.
“Of course, these things can change pretty quickly, but I’m told that’s where the biggest, firmest discussions are right now.
“I think that if there’s going to be a strengthening of Arteta’s squad, it’s going to be at a higher quality and a higher level than Nwaneri, but he’s a good player.
Ethan Nwaneri will join our #ThreeLions' preparation camp in Florida ahead of the @FIFAWorldCup.
— England (@England) May 23, 2026
“He can do a job better at Newcastle, where he’ll get more minutes. So that sort of thing makes sense for him to have another loan.”
Arsenal need to learn from first mistake on Nwaneri
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider back in March that Arsenal “got it wrong” by sending Nwaneri to Marseille, and they will be desperate to avoid a repeat of that next term.
The ex-recruitment man slammed Mikel Arteta for the way that he has handled the youngster’s development in recent years, and warned that he cannot allow the same to play out with Max Dowman.
Nwaneri was starved of gametime at the Emirates prior to a move away, while his time with Marseille created far more problems for him than it did solutions.
It is now imperative that the North London side get the next stage of his development right, or they could be at serious risk of permanently stunting the growth of a hugely promising talent.
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