Pep Guardiola has expressed his expectation for Mikel Arteta to return the favor after he supported Arsenal’s top-four pursuit by allowing two key players to join Arteta’s squad.

Now, Guardiola hopes Arteta will release two of Arsenal’s top players to strengthen Manchester City in January, as he aims to keep Liverpool from winning the league.

Meanwhile, Manchester City is reportedly leading the race to sign Arsenal’s promising 16-year-old, Ethan Nwaneri, raising concerns about Arsenal’s ability to retain its young talents.

Nwaneri, a standout at Arsenal’s Hale End Academy with six goals and four assists in 26 games for the U-18s and U-21s, has also drawn interest from Chelsea.

However, since he can’t sign a professional contract with Arsenal until he turns 17, other clubs could take advantage of the situation.

Nwaneri, who became Arsenal’s youngest Premier League debutant at just 15 years and 181 days, hasn’t featured for the first team again, fueling speculation about his future.

His situation, along with the recent departure of another young talent, Charlie Patino, highlights Arsenal’s challenge in retaining emerging players.

Sources say Manchester City sees Nwaneri as a prime target, potentially offering him an environment similar to that which fostered stars like Phil Foden and Rico Lewis.

Arsenal’s U-18 coach Jack Wilshere described Nwaneri as “exceptional,” emphasizing his versatility in various attacking roles.

With the summer transfer window on the horizon, Arsenal may need to develop a strategy to secure their young stars or risk losing them. Fans eagerly await Nwaneri’s decision, hoping he can continue his growth, regardless of his club.