West Ham learn Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri stance as Nuno Espirito Santo eyes statement signing
West Ham are emerging as potential suitors for Arsenal wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri, with Lucas Paqueta potentially leaving.
News broke on Monday that Paqueta will leave West Ham, and the 28-year-old wants to return to Flamengo after a £30million bid was rejected for the midfielder.
Paqueta could even strike to force a move out of East London, and that is a scenario the club will want to avoid when the only noise surrounding the London Stadium should be their survival bid.
Reports from Brazil have suggested that Flamengo are willing to offer £39m for Paqueta, but it remains to be seen whether David Sullivan turns another bid down.
In any case, Nuno Espirito Santo will have to find a replacement for the midfielder, even if it means shopping in the loan market.
🚨Arsenal do not have any plans to send Ethan Nwaneri on loan. West Ham were reported to be interested in loan deal, with Lucas Paqueta’s future uncertain. West Ham yet to receive formal bid for 🇧🇷 midfielder #AFC #WHUFC
— Sam Tabuteau (@tabuteauS) January 14, 2026
Article w/@MattVerri https://t.co/elREPpkqns
West Ham interested in Ethan Nwaneri loan deal as Arsenal’s stance shared
According to The Telegraph’s Sam Tabuteau, West Ham have shown an interest in a loan deal for Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri.
The 18-year-old has been linked with a temporary move away from the Emirates Stadium after starting none of the Gunners’ Premier League games this term.
A loan move was seen as an opportunity to give the teenager regular first-team football, and although West Ham fans will have been excited to see Nwaneri at the London Stadium, Arsenal have no plans to sanction the youngster’s exit.
Mikel Arteta doesn’t want to compromise any options in his squad when they’re battling across all competitions, and Nwaneri is set to play a prominent role in the second half of the season.
Arsenal are battling for the Premier League title, Champions League and FA Cup, as well as a Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea.
David Seaman has waxed lyrical over Nwaneri
Nwaneri has showcased his incredible talents since breaking into the Gunners’ first team as a 15-year-old in 2022.
Combining his remarkable ball control with his low centre of gravity and creativity, the Hale End graduate has often shone on the big stage.
As a result, many pundits and former players have praised Nwaneri – including David Seaman – who hailed him as “special” in December 2024.
“It’s brilliant for him. He’s not even 18 yet but I’ve seen him come through the academy. I’ve spoken about him being in his school uniform after training because he’s got to go back to school,” Seaman said.
“But seeing him grow up and when you look at him, you think, 17? It’s incredible. And he’s left-footed as well, which is a real bonus. Yeah, he’s special. He’s a great asset for Arsenal.”
West Ham’s ambition and attempts to lure Nwaneri to East London are admirable, but it appears Arteta wants to keep him.
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