Arsenal prioritise Nwaneri loan as Gunners target two Manchester United youngsters

Arsenal are working to secure a loan move for teenage midfielder Ethan Nwaneri before the transfer window closes on September 1, while simultaneously pursuing two young Manchester United talents, according to reports.

BBC Sport has reported that Arsenal do not want to sell Nwaneri permanently despite the 19-year-old being left out of the Community Shield squad that beat Manchester City 3-0. The club acknowledge that his minutes will be limited this season given the competition in a stacked midfield, and are therefore prioritising temporary arrangements over a permanent exit.

Nwaneri’s omission from the Community Shield had fuelled speculation about his future, with Fabrizio Romano reporting he was set to leave and clubs including Galatasaray and AC Milan said to be among the interested parties. Arsenal’s position, however, remains that a permanent sale is not their preference — unless an offer significantly above their valuation arrives and forces a rethink.

Manager Mikel Arteta addressed the situation 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,” he said.

On the incoming side, The Telegraph reports that Arsenal are growing in confidence they can sign Manchester United teenagers James Scanlon, 19, and Habeeb Ogunneye, 20, as part of an aggressive youth recruitment drive that has gathered pace over the past year. Deals for both players are said to be progressing ahead of the deadline.

Arsenal have already moved quickly this summer to add depth for their Premier League title defence, bringing in Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis. Sporting director Andrea Berta is also reported to be closing in on a deal for Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa.

On the outgoing side, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, and Fabio Vieira have been listed as available, along with fellow academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly. Arsenal open their Premier League season on Friday against Coventry City.