AC Milan have made contact with Arsenal to explore the possibility of signing young attacking midfielder Ethan Nwaneri, according to TNT Sports.

MARCA journalist Matteo Moretto, speaking on Fabrizio Romano's YouTube channel, confirmed that the Italian giants have identified Nwaneri as a player of interest and have begun making enquiries to understand his current situation at the club.

"I'd like to talk about an exclusive. It's a new name: Ethan Nwaneri. Arsenal's attacking midfielder, born in 2007, is a very interesting player with great technical ability. He's the kind of player AC Milan are interested in. There have been contacts. AC Milan are conducting enquiries to understand Nwaneri's situation."

Moretto also noted that competition for the teenager is already building, with Bundesliga side RB Leipzig reportedly in pursuit, while Premier League clubs Everton and Fulham have also shown interest.

Arsenal are understood to be open to a departure, though the club reportedly want a permanent transfer rather than a loan arrangement — and do not wish to surrender full control over the player in any deal.

Nwaneri valued at £30 million

The 17-year-old is under contract at Arsenal for another four years, having signed a new deal last summer. Arsenal are said to value him at around €35 million (£30m), which would make any transfer a substantial outlay — particularly for AC Milan, who have been navigating their finances carefully in recent windows.

Nwaneri's pathway to consistent first-team football has not been straightforward. A loan spell at Marseille last season failed to yield the regular minutes many had anticipated for a player considered one of England's most exciting young talents.

Whether AC Milan can meet Arsenal's valuation and fend off competition from RB Leipzig, Everton, and Fulham remains to be seen, but the opening of formal enquiries signals serious intent from the seven-time European champions.