Arsenal preference is for Nwaneri to leave on loan

Arsenal are prioritising loan offers for Ethan Nwaneri with the Premier League champions not wanting to sell their teenage attacker permanently.

The 19-year-old's future has been the subject of major speculation during the transfer window, with the Gunners academy graduate attracting major interest from clubs across the Premier League and Europe.

Nwaneri's future has become the focus of further attention since he was left out of the matchday squad for the Community Shield win over Manchester City on Sunday.

There is an acknowledgment at Arsenal that Nwaneri is at a stage in his career when he would benefit from playing regular senior football.

However, given the abundance of attacking talent already at manager Mikel Arteta's disposal, the likelihood of Nwaneri playing substantial minutes this season appears unlikely amid a sense at Emirates Stadium that the teenager would benefit from time at another club during the new season.

Ultimately, Nwaneri's future will be dictated by the offers Arsenal receive and should the club get a proposal significantly above their valuation for the attacking midfielder then the Gunners may be forced into a rethink.

Speaking last week Arteta said: "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."

AC Milan, Red Bull Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund and Fulham are among the clubs to have shown an interest in Nwaneri.

It is well-documented that Arsenal are actively looking to sell players this summer, which has left Nwaneri's future unclear in recent weeks.

Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Fabio Vieira are among the players the club are open to selling.