Arsenal midfielder Mishel Nduka is set to join Manchester City after rejecting the Gunners’ offer of a new scholarship agreement.
City have reached an agreement to sign the highly rated 16-year-old following his decision to leave Hale End.
David Ornstein confirms that Arsenal offered Nduka competitive long-term terms. However, the England youth international chose to continue his development at the Etihad Stadium.
Nduka only joined Arsenal from Charlton Athletic in September 2025. He progressed rapidly through the age groups during his single season in north London.
Arsenal unable to prevent Mishel Nduka exit
Nduka made 10 appearances for Arsenal Under-18s last season after initially featuring at Under-16 level.
The midfielder also appeared twice for the Under-21s and represented the club in the UEFA Youth League. His performances earned him recognition with England Under-16s.
Arsenal will be disappointed to lose a player they wanted to retain. However, the club provided opportunities above Nduka’s age group and made a serious attempt to secure his future.
His departure should not automatically be treated as evidence of a broken academy pathway. Max Dowman and Marli Salmon have both trained with Mikel Arteta’s senior squad, while Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri have already established themselves at first-team level.
ReadArsenal recently covered how the Gunners secured Josh Ogunnaike’s future with a professional contract. The defender had also attracted interest before committing his future to Arsenal.
Nduka’s exit still reduces the size of Arsenal’s latest scholarship group following Kyran Thompson’s decision to join Newcastle United.
The Gunners must now focus on the prospects who remain at Hale End. Arsenal could offer Nduka a pathway and improved terms, but the final decision rested with the player.
