Arsenal set to lose young midfielder Mishel Nduka to Manchester City, Ornstein reports

Arsenal are bracing for the departure of teenage midfield talent Mishel Nduka, with the 16-year-old reportedly agreeing terms to join Premier League champions Manchester City. According to insider of insider sources, the England youth international turned down a lucrative long-term contract offer from the Gunners and is now scheduled to undergo a medical before signing scholarship terms at the Etihad. Nduka, who joined Arsenal from Charlton Athletic in 2025, featured for both the Under-18s and Under-21s last season. His exit marks another setback for the north London club’s youth setup this summer. City have been aggressive in securing top English prospects. Earlier this month, Enzo Maresca’s side landed 17-year-old winger Jeremy Monga from Leicester City for an initial €11.75m (£10m) fee, with potential add-ons taking the deal to €14m (£12m). Arsenal had previously baulked at Leicester’s valuation and withdrew their interest. City’s youth teams have dominated domestically, winning the Premier League 2 Division 1 title four times in five seasons between 2021 and 2025, and lifting the FA Youth Cup twice in the last three finals – including a 2-1 derby win over Manchester United last season. Meanwhile, Arsenal also missed out on defender Emmanuel Mbemba, who opted to join Ligue 1 side Paris FC – now managed by former Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior – after being linked with a move to the Emirates.