Overview
- Multiple outlets, citing David Ornstein of The Athletic, reported on Tuesday that Manchester City have reached an agreement to sign 16‑year‑old Mishel Nduka after he rejected a scholarship offer from Arsenal.
- Nduka is expected to undergo a medical before joining City on scholarship terms and will be eligible for a professional contract when he turns 17.
- The midfielder joined Arsenal from Charlton Athletic in September 2025, made around ten Under‑18 appearances last season and featured for older youth sides and England at youth level.
- Manchester City beat interest from other clubs including Manchester United in the race for Nduka, continuing a summer of aggressive youth recruitment that has also included Jeremy Monga.
- Observers say the transfer underlines a broader trend of elite Premier League clubs poaching top academy talent and creates a retention challenge for clubs such as Arsenal that invest in youth development.