Arsenal are scrambling to finalise multiple transfer dealings before the summer market deadline
Arsenal are hoping to arrange a temporary move for Ethan Nwaneri(Image: Alex Pantling, Getty Images)
The market closes on September 1 and Arsenal are keen to have all their business wrapped up comfortably ahead of that date.
It has been a mixed summer for the top-flight titleholders — a sluggish beginning followed by a more fruitful period that has seen Mikel Arteta’s group receive significant reinforcements for their bid to retain the championship.
Optimism around the Emirates is currently soaring. The north London outfit head into their opening league match against Coventry City on Friday following an impressive 3-0 triumph over Manchester City in the Community Shield, with newcomers Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis anticipated to play crucial roles as Arteta pursues achievements across four competitions this term.
Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa is reportedly lined up for a medical examination after Arsenal agreed terms with Aston Villa regarding his transfer fee. The defender is set to become Andrea Berta’s fifth permanent acquisition of the close season, having previously signed Illan Meslier and Piero Hincapie.
However, there remains significant work regarding departures. The club has listed Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Fabio Vieira as available for transfer, while also showing openness to considering proposals for academy graduates Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Here, football.london examines two of the most recent transfer developments.
Nwaneri’s potential departure
Arsenal are focusing on loan proposals for Nwaneri before the summer transfer window slams shut, according to one account. The 19-year-old’s situation has attracted considerable attention over recent months, with mounting worries about his lack of opportunities under Arteta.
Fabrizio Romano suggested the young player was set to leave after being left out of Arsenal’s Community Shield squad that defeated City. Galatasaray, AC Milan and multiple top-flight competitors were all claimed to be monitoring the situation.
However, BBC Sport has since reported that Arsenal have no intention of selling Nwaneri permanently. The club are understood to acknowledge that the teenager’s game time will be limited this season due to intense competition in a crowded midfield, and are consequently concentrating on a temporary arrangement.
Ultimately, Nwaneri’s future will depend on the approaches Arsenal receive. Should the club receive an offer that significantly surpasses their valuation of the attacking midfielder, Arsenal may find themselves reassessing their stance.
Arteta stated last week: I want him to be at the club, but we have to consider in the medium, long term, what is best for the player as well.
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Double Manchester United transfer pursuit
Arsenal are lining up moves for two Manchester United players including Habeeb Ogunneye(Image: Zohaib Alam, Manchester United via Getty Images)
The London side are claimed to be chasing signatures for two young Manchester United players. The Telegraph reports that the north Londoners are working to secure agreements for both James Scanlon, 19, and Habeeb Ogunneye, 20, as part of their ambitious youth recruitment efforts over the past twelve months.
According to the report, Arsenal are growing increasingly optimistic about completing deals for both players within the coming weeks. This follows Manchester United having recruited two of their most promising youngsters in Ayden Heaven and Chido Obi in recent years.
Scanlon arrived at United from Derby County in 2021 and has already earned an impressive 24 caps for Gibraltar, the country of his mother’s birth. He spent the second half of last season on loan at Swindon Town.
Ogunneye, by contrast, featured in 21 matches during a loan spell at Newport County last season before being recalled in January. The London-born defender has already been part of several first-team matchday squads at Old Trafford.