Mikel Arteta has already given David Moyes his answer over Ethan Nwaneri loan deal
Ethan Nwaneri is the talk of the Premier League as several clubs eye the Arsenal youngster before the January transfer window shuts.
There is very little transfer activity at the Emirates Stadium, but it would appear that Everton and David Moyes are keen to make improvements for the second half of the 2025-26 campaign.
Football Insider understands that Everton are interested in right-back Ben White, who has slipped down the pecking order in North London, and he is not the only player of interest.
According to Ben Jacobs, as per the Highbury Squad YouTube channel, the Toffees have looked at signing the exciting winger, alongside Sunderland and Fulham.
The Cottagers are put off by the thought of a loan deal, however. But that could suit Moyes’ side perfectly until the summer, but Arteta will likely have a huge say over the 18-year-old’s future.
Premier League interest ramps up for Ethan Nwaneri
It is really no surprise to see multiple big teams linked with a move for the youngster, given that he has yet to start a Premier League game this season, though he has started in all other competitions.
Injuries have forced the manager’s hand, leading to the 18-year-old even given valuable minutes in the Champions League, but if he is to develop properly, a loan deal might be needed.
Arteta might be a little difficult to persuade, however. Especially given the revolving door of injuries in North London, nobody can predict when the Gunners might need to call upon the academy gem.
When asked about loan deals in January earlier this month, Arteta replied: “Every player is very important, every player has a role. That role can change throughout the season for different reasons, and everybody has to be ready to play.”
He added, “And the thing is that you don’t know if you’re going to be a finisher, a starter, or sometimes you have to come in because a player gets injured in the warm-up. So that’s how ready you have to be.”
David Moyes to be left disappointed over a lack of Everton transfers
Reading between the lines, Arteta is in no mood to let any of his first-team players leave this month, even if it’s someone who has just 165 minutes to his name in the Premier League this term.
The Gunners are aiming for both Premier League and Champions League titles, and should the North London side get rid of a player who could play a major part, Arteta will never live it down.
He has not lifted silverware since his first season in charge at the Emirates, so the Toffees may have to look elsewhere for an important attacking player if additions are to be made this month.
Everton are tipped to make Jack Grealish’s move permanent, which would be an enormous move for the Merseysiders, but the striker position is really what needs to be addressed right now.