Arsenal ‘open to Ethan Nwaneri leaving’ and three stars could be sold | Football | Sport

Arsenal are reportedly willing to entertain offers for four players in the January transfer window, including a potential loan move for wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri. The 18-year-old has been involved under Mikel Arteta since making his first-team debut at just 15 years old, but he is yet to start a match for the Gunners this season.

According to the Daily Mail, Nwaneri could be ‘offered an opportunity’ if the right situation presents itself. Meanwhile, Ben White’s circumstances are said to be under review ahead of the New Year, and bids for Gabriel Martinelli may be considered amid interest from Saudi Arabia.

The Brazilian has fallen down the pecking order following Noni Madueke’s arrival from Chelsea in the summer. Gabriel Jesus, whose seasons at Arsenal have been plagued by injuries, is also reportedly on the list of potential exits.

The Brazilian forward has been recuperating from an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury he picked up in last season’s FA Cup third round. Before suffering a significant setback, Jesus scored four goals in two matches against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup and the Premier League.

Arsenal are hoping to get Jesus fit enough for next month, in time for the winter transfer window opening on January 1.

If a ‘suitable’ offer comes in, the club will look to offload the striker, who has been at the Emirates since 2022; otherwise, he is expected to depart next summer.

The Gunners splashed out £250million in the summer, bringing in players such as Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze.

It is now anticipated that they will streamline the squad by offloading players with limited opportunities, although it’s reported that 95 per cent of the current team will ‘remain unchanged.’

Last month, Arteta opened up on leaving Nwaneri out of the squad entirely for Arsenal’s 2-1 win at Newcastle, explaining that such is the quality of the squad that talented players may be forced to sit out of matches.

«I talked to all the players and we had a meeting specifically about that and the scenarios that we’re going to have throughout the season,» he explained.

«Some of them are going to start, some of them are going to finish the game, some of them are going to be on the bench and don’t be participating, and some of them, unfortunately, are going to be out of the squad because with the Premier League you have the limitation with the numbers.

«Sometimes we have to travel more players because things can happen and somebody can get ill or we have a doubt with somebody whether the next morning is going to be available to play, and unfortunately, we have to do that.

«But the attitude of every player, because we have explained to them and personally they know how we feel about it, has been really good and they will have the chances to play.»