Arsenal are closing in on a deal to sell Ethan Nwaneri to RB Leipzig, with journalist Carlo Pellegatti reporting that talks between the two clubs are already at an advanced stage and that the Gunners could insert a buyback clause into any agreement to keep long-term control over the teenager’s career.
The 19-year-old spent the 2025/26 campaign on loan at Marseille, arriving in France on the back of an impressive 2024/25 season at Arsenal in which he contributed to six goals as a 17-year-old.
Things did not go to plan in Ligue 1, with Nwaneri managing just nine appearances across the season and drawing criticism for his lack of impact. That disappointing loan spell has fuelled links with a number of clubs in England and abroad, with AC Milan also previously in the mix before more concrete details emerged around a switch to Germany.
Ethan Nwaneri buyback option discussed as RB Leipzig talks advance
Pellegatti, who is generally considered reliable on Milan-related information, revealed the latest details on his YouTube channel, with RB Leipzig now close to meeting Arsenal’s financial demands. He said, relayed by MilanNews: “What’s the situation now? Arsenal has yet to decide whether to send him to another team or how to manage the player’s future. But Arsenal would like to, and are already talking about it, talks have taken place and are at an advanced stage, with Leipzig.”
While Milan now look likely to miss out on Nwaneri entirely, Pellegatti confirmed Arsenal are exploring the possibility of inserting a buyback clause into the Leipzig contract, a structure that would allow the club to retain long-term interest in the player even after selling him.
He explained further: “Leave him there, at Leipzig, for a year, maybe another year, and then buy him back for €55-60m.”
Why this move makes sense for both Nwaneri and Arsenal
One difficult loan spell does not make Nwaneri a bad player. He remains only 19, and it was not so long ago that he was contributing directly to the Arsenal first team. With the club not currently in need of an additional attacking signing, generating a capital gain from his exit makes considerable financial sense, freeing up extra funds to strengthen the squad elsewhere this summer while retaining a route back into the building should he develop as hoped.
Leipzig’s reputation for developing young talent makes them a sensible destination for a player who needs regular senior football to rebuild momentum after a difficult year in France. Whether the German club ultimately agree to a buyback clause as part of the arrangement remains to be seen, but the framework of the deal suggests Arsenal are not walking away from Nwaneri entirely, even if this summer marks his formal departure from the Emirates.
Ethan Nwaneri Arsenal RB Leipzig transfer FAQs
Is Ethan Nwaneri leaving Arsenal for RB Leipzig?
Talks between Arsenal and RB Leipzig are at an advanced stage over Ethan Nwaneri, according to journalist Carlo Pellegatti, with Leipzig close to meeting the Gunners’ financial demands.
Will Arsenal have a buyback option for Ethan Nwaneri?
Arsenal are reportedly exploring inserting a buyback clause into any deal with RB Leipzig, allowing the club to potentially re-sign Ethan Nwaneri for around €55-60 million after one or two seasons in Germany.
Why is Ethan Nwaneri leaving Arsenal?
Ethan Nwaneri struggled during a 2025/26 loan spell at Marseille, making just nine Ligue 1 appearances and drawing criticism for his limited impact. That disappointing spell has led to interest from several clubs including AC Milan and RB Leipzig.
How much could Arsenal receive for Ethan Nwaneri?
RB Leipzig are reported to be close to meeting Arsenal’s valuation for Ethan Nwaneri, though the exact initial transfer fee has not been confirmed. Any potential buyback clause would be valued at around €55-60 million.
