Arsenal have set a firm asking price of £50 million for highly-rated academy graduate Ethan Nwaneri, according to BBC.
Arsenal demand £50m for Ethan Nwaneri in summer transfer
£50m or No Deal: Arsenal Set Stiff Asking Price for Youngster Nwaneri
The Premier League champions are prepared to cash in on the 19-year-old midfielder this summer, with Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan leading the chase for his signature.
Nwaneri, who signed a new long-term contract with the Gunners last summer, has seen his first-team opportunities dry up at the Emirates.
The emergence of fellow Hale End starlet Max Dowman has further complicated his path to regular action, given both operate in similar attacking roles as a number 10 or right winger.
The England Under-21 international spent the second half of last season on loan at Marseille.
While he enjoyed a promising start in Ligue 1, scoring on his debut against Lens, his minutes dwindled significantly following the departure of manager Roberto De Zerbi.
He managed just two goals and one assist in 11 appearances during his time in France.
Borussia Dortmund, who previously attempted to sign Nwaneri before he committed his future to Arsenal, remain keen on the youngster.
AC Milan have also emerged as serious contenders, with the Serie A giants reportedly making enquiries over a potential deal.
According to transfer journalist Matteo Moretto, the competition for Nwaneri extends further, with RB Leipzig, Fulham, and Everton all monitoring the situation.
Arsenal view Nwaneri as a player with immense potential and will not accept anything less than their £50m valuation.
Crucially, any sale would represent pure profit on the club’s financial books, given his academy background.
However, the Gunners are keen to retain some control over the player’s future, with a buy-back clause and sell-on percentage likely to be part of any negotiation.
While no formal proposals have yet landed on the table, both Dortmund and Milan have the financial capability to meet Arsenal’s demands.
Milan recently completed a £60m deal for Paris Saint-Germain striker Goncalo Ramos, while Dortmund have already invested heavily in Genk wonderkid Konstantinos Karetsas.
With Nwaneri still having four years remaining on his contract, Arsenal hold all the cards in negotiations.
A deal in the region of £35-40m upfront with achievable add-ons could be a realistic compromise, but the Gunners appear in no rush to lower their valuation for one of the club’s most gifted young prospects.
