Arsenal respond to Ethan Nwaneri bid

25 Aug 2026 16:02 BST | 4 min read

Ethan Nwaneri, Arsenal, 2026/27 — © IMAGO

Tom Weber | Writer

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AC Milan are still showing a strong interest in Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri, who is expected to be on the move before next week's deadline.

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After a difficult 2025/26 campaign, the 19-year-old bounced back in pre-season with some encouraging performances. Nwaneri drew significant praise from Mikel Arteta, but the manager also made a major admission: the teenager will be allowed to leave if he can't be guaranteed game time.

Fast forward just a few days and Nwaneri found himself on the outside looking in when Arsenal faced Man City in the Community Shield. Although he returned to the matchday squad for the Premier League opener against Coventry, he didn't get on the pitch.

Current ETV

Ethan Nwaneri

M (C), F (R)

Arsenal

Ethan Nwaneri

M (C), F (R)

Arsenal

ETV Range

€31.5M - €38.5M

There were some sensational links with Liverpool last week, but FootballTransfers has not been able to substantiate this rumour. We understand that Bournemouth, Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund have shown an interest in the attacker.

Additionally, there has been long-standing speculation over a potential move to AC Milan. The Rossoneri have been linked with Nwaneri for several weeks now, but little progress seems to have been made.

Arsenal reject Nwaneri bid

Calciomercato claims that Milan have had a loan offer with an option to buy rejected by Arsenal. We can confirm that the Gunners will only consider an outright sale or a loan with a purchase obligation this summer.

The Italian outlet adds that, despite this rejection, Milan remain keen on Nwaneri. Signing a versatile left-footed attacker is one of their priorities, which is why they are now also being associated with Liverpool returnee Harvey Elliott.

Arsenal's valuation of Nwaneri is the biggest roadblock when it comes to a transfer to Serie A. The report writes that €45m will be necessary to sign him permanently, while we have been told that Arsenal would ideally like to pocket as much as €60m.

Should the situation remain gridlocked, Milan could pivot to fellow Arsenal outcast Fabio Vieira, who is also a left-footed attacking midfielder. The Portugal international is likely to be significantly cheaper.

However, reports in Germany have suggested that Vieira has, to date, rebuffed any interest from suitors as he supposedly has his heart set on returning to Hamburger SV after his successful loan last season.

This has been one of the longest-running sagas of the summer, with HSV unable to match Arsenal's asking price of around €20m. It is expected that the Bundesliga club will make another push in the final days of the window.

If they can't reach an agreement, Vieira will have to start considering other options. Milan would surely be an appealing destination for him. Where that would leave Nwaneri remains to be seen. As things stand, a move to the San Siro looks unlikely.