As of mid-July 2025, rumors have surfaced suggesting that Arsenal could be considering a shock swap deal involving young star Ethan Nwaneri in exchange for Manchester City’s Jérémy Doku. This potential move has generated buzz among fans and pundits, especially given the rising profile of both players and Arsenal’s ongoing search for depth and competition on the flanks. However, upon closer inspection, there is currently no credible evidence to suggest that such a swap is actually being pursued.
Ethan Nwaneri, just 18 years old, is one of Arsenal’s most highly regarded young talents. He made history in 2022 as the youngest player to ever appear in a Premier League match, and his stock has only risen since. Last season, he played an integral role in Arsenal’s domestic campaign, scoring nine goals in 37 appearances. His performances earned him a long-term contract extension just this week, with Arsenal fending off serious interest from Chelsea and top Bundesliga clubs. This new contract underscores how committed Arsenal are to keeping Nwaneri as part of their long-term vision under Mikel Arteta.
On the other side of the rumored deal is Jérémy Doku, the Belgian winger currently at Manchester City. Known for his electric pace and ability to beat defenders one-on-one, Doku is a dynamic threat from the flanks. Though highly talented, he has faced some injury setbacks and has not consistently locked down a starting role at City. Doku has previously been linked with Arsenal in earlier transfer windows, but never seriously enough to result in a formal bid. His style of play does match what Arteta typically looks for in a winger, which may explain why his name continues to be floated in connection with the Gunners.
The speculation also stems from Arsenal’s search for competition or a potential successor to Gabriel Martinelli on the left wing. Although Martinelli remains a key player in Arteta’s squad, rumors persist that Arsenal could be tempted to sell if a substantial bid is made. Al Nassr has reportedly shown interest, with figures around £70–75 million being discussed. Bayern Munich has also been loosely linked, though their interest is not believed to be concrete at this stage.
Despite these factors, a direct swap deal involving Nwaneri for Doku seems highly unlikely. Arsenal have just renewed Nwaneri’s contract, and the player is seen as a cornerstone for the club’s future. Swapping him for Doku, who is talented but not without question marks, would not align with Arsenal’s current strategy of building a young, cohesive squad with high resale value and potential. Additionally, no reputable sources or journalists have confirmed any discussions between the two clubs involving such a swap.
In conclusion, while Arsenal’s interest in strengthening their attack is legitimate, and while Doku may fit their tactical needs, the idea of trading away Ethan Nwaneri seems more speculative than realistic. For now, the Gunners appear committed to both Martinelli and Nwaneri, and any future winger signings are more likely to come through traditional transfer bids rather than shock swap deals.