Ethan Nwaneri has struggled for consistent game time at Arsenal so far this season, leaving his long-term future at the Emirates under scrutiny.
West Ham are rumoured to be interested in a potential January move for the 18-year-old as they look to bolster their squad amid a looming relegation battle.
Despite spending much of the campaign on the bench, Nwaneri appears keen to stay put and help his boyhood club in their pursuit of the Premier League title.
Here, Transfer News Blitz writer Emily Clogg discusses the options facing Nwaneri and asks the big question: Should he stay, or should he go?
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THE RUMOURS
Reports suggest that West Ham are among several clubs showing interest in Ethan Nwaneri during this January transfer window.
The highly rated youngster, who has registered four goals and two assists in 895 Premier League minutes last season, has seen his involvement significantly reduced this year.
Nwaneri has yet to start a league match this campaign, making just six appearances from the bench.
London rivals West Ham enter the January transfer window in the relegation zone, sitting 18th with just 14 points to their name.
It comes as little surprise that manager Nuno Espirito Santo is keen to strengthen his squad, particularly with midfield talisman Lucas Paqueta reportedly set to complete a permanent move to Flamengo this month.
The Hammers are not alone in their admiration for Nwaneri, with several clubs in England and abroad believed to have made enquiries.
Arsenal, however, are reluctant to let the 18-year-old leave, viewing squad depth as a vital component of a title-winning side.
PLAYER’S PERSPECTIVE
From Nwaneri’s point of view, he finds himself at something of a crossroads in his development.
The Hale End graduate signed a new long-term contract last summer, committing his future to Arsenal after an impressive breakthrough campaign.
Since making his debut against Brentford in 2022 – becoming the youngest ever English top-flight player at just 15 years and 181 days old- Nwaneri has established himself as an important member of Mikel Arteta’s squad.
However, with just 521 minutes across all competitions this season, a loan move could offer the England youth international the regular game time he needs.
Former Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe benefited greatly from loan spells at RB Leipzig and Huddersfield Town before returning to make his breakthrough under Arteta.
While Nwaneri may see parallels in that pathway, the circumstances are vastly different.
Smith Rowe broke into an Arsenal side that finished eighth in the 2020/21 season, whereas Nwaneri is now competing for minutes in a title-challenging squad.
The case for staying lies not only in potential opportunities arising through injuries to players such as Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, or Martin Odegaard, but also in the invaluable experience gained from training and competing alongside elite-level teammates.
WILL HE STAY OR WILL HE GO?
It is a significant decision for an 18-year-old to make, but all signs suggest that Nwaneri is determined to remain at Arsenal and play his part in their bid to finally lift the Premier League title.
Whether that proves to be the best move for his long-term development – especially amid strong interest in a potential loan – remains to be seen.
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