Bournemouth consider loan move for Arsenal midfielder

January 8, 2026 Oliver Obel

Bournemouth’s recruitment planning for the January window has led them to assess several young attacking options, particularly as uncertainty surrounds the future of key forward Antoine Semenyo.

One name under consideration is Ethan Nwaneri, Arsenal’s highly rated 18-year-old midfielder, whose rapid rise has attracted attention despite limited opportunities this season.

Arsenal pathway under scrutiny

Nwaneri has already accumulated significant senior experience at Arsenal, making 50 first-team appearances and registering 10 goals and two assists at an age when most players are still in academy football.

However, competition for places in Mikel Arteta’s squad competing at the top of the Premier League has restricted his involvement. He has been named in 11 matchday line-ups this season but has started only three games, highlighting the difficulty of breaking into a settled title-contending side.

That situation has prompted external interest, even as Arsenal continue to view him as a long-term asset.

Temporary move discussed

According to Miguel Delaney of The Independent, Bournemouth have explored the idea of a short-term loan until the end of the campaign, with no purchase option currently under discussion.

From Arsenal’s perspective, a temporary move could provide valuable first-team exposure without compromising the club’s future plans for the midfielder. Delaney reports that there is no appetite to sell Nwaneri outright.

Any decision, however, would ultimately rest with the player.

Player leaning toward staying put

Despite Bournemouth’s interest, The Independent reports that Nwaneri is inclined to remain in north London for the remainder of the season.

He is understood to believe that continuing to train within a squad challenging for major honours offers important developmental benefits, even if match minutes are harder to come by.

Previous reporting has also linked him with clubs abroad, including Borussia Dortmund last summer, should he eventually opt for a move away from Arsenal.

Why Bournemouth are interested

Bournemouth’s thinking is shaped by the likely departure of Antoine Semenyo, who is expected to complete a £65 million transfer in the coming days, with Manchester City reported as his probable destination.

If that move is finalised, head coach Andoni Iraola will need additional attacking creativity, particularly from midfield areas capable of contributing goals.

Nwaneri’s technical profile fits that requirement, even if a deal would depend on his willingness to leave Arsenal mid-season.

Developmental appeal remains

The teenager has previously been described as “phenomenal” and is widely regarded as a technically polished player with strong finishing instincts.

Bournemouth’s recent track record of nurturing young talent adds weight to their interest, although any move would need to align with Nwaneri’s long-term development plans.

Whether a transfer happens this month or later, time remains firmly on his side as Arsenal and interested clubs weigh the next step in his career.

Sources: The Independent