AC Milan have already made contact over Ethan Nwaneri, and Arsenal are open to a possible departure if they can keep control of his future. Borussia Dortmund are also tracking him, while RB Leipzig, Fulham and Everton were named among the clubs interested as the summer market opens up around him.

Milan's enquiry and the clubs in the frame

Matteo Moretto said: "Ethan Nwaneri is the type of profile that interest AC Milan. There has been contact, Milan is making enquiries to understand the situation."

He added that "Arsenal are open to a possible departure – a permanent deal would be better, but without losing control over the player's rights. He is definitely not an untouchable player, quite the opposite."

That is why this is not just a simple sale story. The reports point to a club willing to move, but only on terms that keep some hold over the player's future. It also explains why the list of suitors is spreading rather than narrowing.

Arsenal's stance and Nwaneri's case

Nwaneri signed a new contract a year ago, so any move now would be happening against a fairly recent renewal. The interest is there even after a difficult loan spell, and the reporting says he accumulated fewer than 1,000 minutes of first-team football across the entire campaign.

There is also a football reason clubs are still looking. He has two direct goal contributions across his last five matches, and his average rating over that spell is 6.6. That is not the profile of a player who has torn up the scene, but it is enough to keep the market paying attention.

Milan's recent form has been uneven, with LWLLD across their last five, while Dortmund have been stronger on W W L W W. Those records do not settle the argument, but they help explain why both clubs can sell a case for minutes and development.

The picture now is fairly clear. Milan have made contact, Dortmund remain in the chase, and Arsenal are prepared to listen as long as the exit protects their position. What happens next depends on whether one of the interested clubs turns enquiries into a proposal Arsenal can live with.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 5 outlets. How we work →