Carlo Pellegatti, speaking on his YouTube channel, provided an update on AC Milan's interest in Ethan Nwaneri:
"Ethan Nwaneri is an Arsenal player born in 2007. He is regarded as one of the most talented attacking midfielders in Europe today. Last season he wasn't getting much playing time at Arsenal, so he was sent on loan to Marseille at Roberto De Zerbi's request. As fate would have it, as soon as he arrived in France, De Zerbi left the club, leaving the player in a difficult situation. It ended up being six months that did little for his development.
So, what is the current situation? Arsenal have yet to decide whether to send him out on another loan or how to manage his future. However, the club would like to move forward with a deal they are already discussing with RB Leipzig. Talks have taken place and are at an advanced stage. Leipzig would be willing to accept Arsenal's proposed formula: pay €35-40 million, keep him there for a year, perhaps another, and then allow Arsenal to buy him back for €55-60 million.
This is similar to what happened with Brahim Díaz. He had a buy-back clause after two years, and Real Madrid eventually brought him back. Arsenal want to follow the same model: receive €35-40 million now and then re-sign him in two years for €55-60 million.
Where do Milan stand in all of this? Gordon Stipic, Hakan Çalhanoğlu's agent, is also Nwaneri's representative. There have already been contacts with Milan. Milan are not interested in a straightforward loan, and in that respect they agree with Arsenal. The key question is whether Milan are willing to accept Arsenal's terms: paying €35-40 million now with a buy-back clause set at €55-60 million in two years.
Milan have had some discussions with Arsenal and now need to decide whether to push ahead with the deal. However, while Franco Mastantuono could arrive on loan, perhaps under a special formula, if Arsenal continue to insist on €35-40 million for Nwaneri, it is clear that Milan will first have to wait for Rafael Leão to be sold."
