- Newcastle United initiate talks for Ethan Nwaneri
- Arsenal youngster spent second half of 25-26 season on loan at Marseille
- Martin Odegaard believes Nwaneri is a ‘special’ player
Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri has emerged as a target for Newcastle United as Eddie Howe aims to add a quality player or two to his options.
According to Caught Offside, the Magpies are in talks to sign the 19-year-old, who spent the second half of the 2025-26 campaign on loan at Marseille.
And while he started well under Roberto De Zerbi, the Italian’s departure led to a bit of a blip as he struggled for form and consistency.
However, his talent is well known to the footballing fraternity and Newcastle are wasting no time as they attempt to secure his signature.
Newcastle United want to sign Ethan Nwaneri
Arsenal have a stacked squad and came within touching distance of winning the UEFA Champions League, losing to PSG on penalties in the final.
They did, however, win the Premier League title after 22 years and are expected to add to their squad this summer.
Nwaneri tumbled down the pecking order at the Emirates and was sent out on loan.
With Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke the preferred right-wing options and the likes of Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze occupying the No.10 roles, the 19-year-old looks like he won’t get too much game time next season.
And this is why Newcastle United want to sign him, as they would be able to offer him a first-team role.
The report also mentions interest from Chelsea and other European clubs, with Nwaneri set to cost around £40m.
Arsenal haven’t lost faith in Nwaneri but acknowledge the fact that he needs to get regular game time under his belt to further his development, so it remains to be seen if they decide to part with him in the summer.
His sale would also count as pure profit on the books, which could be another factor to consider.
In February 2025, Martin Odegaard referred to the Nwaneri as an special player, which is high praise coming from the Arsenal captain.
“It was a really good night for Ethan, he had another great performance,” Odegaard claimed.
“I’ve said before that we don’t look at him as an emerging talent; we just see him as a great player.
“That says it all really for someone who’s 17. He’s just a natural part of our squad and the team, and you can see the talent he brings. It was another great goal from him, we’re all really pleased for him.
“Everyone can see what he can do with the ball, his touch and technique, but he’s also really physical. He’s not the biggest guy, but he’s strong, so powerful and can run with the ball.
“He takes on players and has the power in his body to beat them. Then there’s his finishing – he has a great strike with his left foot.”
Nwaneri would thrive at Newcastle United
With Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali at the base of the midfield, Newcastle are well set in that regard.
However, in terms of creativity and end product, they could do well with an addition or two, especially after Anthony Gordon’s departure to Barcelona.
Nwaneri is capable of playing out wide as well as in the No.10 role, making him an intriguing option.
Towards the back end of last season, Eddie Howe tried a new system, with Nick Woltemade playing behind Will Osula and the likes of Harvey Barnes and Jacob Ramsey stationed either side of him.
Nwaneri’s versatility allows him to play in each of those roles with aplomb and the £40m asking price is hardly an outrageous fee for a player of his potential.
However, whether or not Arsenal agree to sell him remains to be seen as he is highly regarded at the club.
