Fabrizio Romano thinks Man City’s transfer dreams will be dealt a blow by Arsenal’soon’, as Gunners close in on deal

Manchester City will continue to make moves in the summer of 2025.

Tijjani Reijnders has already joined Pep Guardiola’s team, having moved to Manchester last month alongside Rayan, Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Marcus Bettinelli.

The Premier League heavyweights have not made a signing since, but Fabrizio Romano believes a right-back is next on the agenda for Manchester City.

There may also be other tasks that City might finish before the new season begins, as unforeseen chances frequently occur in the market.

It appeared that a potential chance may arise at Arsenal, but the Gunners are now about to close it as the North London club is closing an agreement on a new contract for one of its 18-year-old talents.

Preston North End vs Arsenal – Carabao Cup Fourth Round
Photo: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Arsenal is making work on a new contract for Ethan Nwaneri.

It was rumored in recent weeks that Ethan Nwaneri was considering leaving Arsenal because he demanded gametime assurances before signing a new contract, which expires in 2026.

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Chelsea were thought to be the frontrunners if the 18-year-old decided to leave Arsenal, but Man City may have pushed for Nwaneri if he made it apparent that he wanted to join a different club, since Guardiola has been interested in the English talent for some time.

That is unlikely to happen today, according to Fabrizio Romano, who reports that Arsenal is close to signing Nwaneri to a new contract after presenting their plan for the youngster’s growth over the next few years.

🚨🔴⚪️ Understand Arsenal have made progress in the recent days for Ethan Nwaneri’s new deal.

The club has presented vision/project for Nwaneri in the upcoming years including discussions on game time.

Arsenal hopeful to get green light and sign new contract soon. ⏳ pic.twitter.com/qGqAp9A1km

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 12, 2025

The transfer journalist also added that Arsenal is hoping that Nwaneri would approve their offer quickly so that it can be signed before the new season begins in August.

The addition of the winger to Guardiola’s roster would have been a major coup for Manchester City, but it is not as significant because the club already has Cherki and Oscar Bobb, who can do the same job for many years.

Oscar Bobb is on the ball for Manchester City versus Al Ain.
Photograph by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Oscar Bobb has a big season ahead of him at Manchester City.

Bobb’s last season was a nightmare, as the Manchester City player suffered a terrible leg injury at the start of the season, forcing him to miss the majority of the 24/25 campaign.

Everyone at the Manchester club recognizes how outstanding the 22-year-old is, as seen by his goal against Al Ain in the FIFA Club World Cup.

⚽️ FIFTH GOAL FOR CITY!

Oscar Bobb adds his name to the scoresheet!

Watch the @FIFACWC | June 14 – July 13 | Every Game | Free | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #MCIAIN pic.twitter.com/UrVYL3Uher

— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 23, 2025

Man City do not intend to loan Oscar Bobb out in the summer, so this season could be his last chance to impress Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium.

The Norway international will compete for minutes alongside Cherki and Phil Foden, but the 22-year-old should welcome the task, as winning will demonstrate how outstanding a player he is.

Man City may resume their interest in Nwaneri in the future, but for the time being, the club must trust Bobb.

Man City agrees contract with £70 million star following private talks regarding sensational agreement – report

Manchester City have been quietly working to sign Morgan Gibbs-White, according to a source, as Nottingham Forest prepare for a devastating double exit.

In August 2022, Gibbs-White joined Forest on a five-year contract from Wolverhampton Wanderers, becoming the club’s record signing. Forest spent an initial £25 million for the attacking midfielder, with the deal having the potential to increase to £42.5 million through add-ons.

It was a substantial investment for Forest at the time, but Gibbs-White has shown to be well worth the money.

He captained the club in the bulk of Premier League games last season, scoring seven goals and providing ten assists in 34 appearances.

Gibbs-White was instrumental in Forest’s push for a Champions League spot, although they eventually dropped down the table and qualified for the Europa Conference League.

However, it is unclear whether the playmaker will remain with Forest to lead them in their first European campaign in 30 years.

According to Football Insider, Hugo Viana, Manchester City’s new head of football, has been ‘working behind the scenes’ on a Gibbs-White deal in recent weeks.

That preparation has resulted in a ‘agreement on personal terms’, with the four-cap England international having’made up his mind on joining Man City’.

Pep Guardiola’s team is yet to reach an agreement with Forest, but they are expected to begin talks with their Premier League opponents soon.

Forest are on the verge of losing two of their most vital offensive weapons, with Gibbs-White a top City target and winger Anthony Elanga reportedly close to joining Newcastle United.

Newcastle has had its £55 million bid for Elanga accepted. Forest does not want to lose the duo, but they are forced to contemplate selling to alleviate financial pressure.

City have already signed Rayan Cherki, but it appears they are looking for another No 10 to help replace Kevin De Bruyne, with Gibbs-White in their sights.

Morgan Gibbs-White and Matheus Nunes could swap clubs.

On May 20, TEAMtalk exclusively learned that Gibbs-White wants to move to City to advance his career. The Cityzens had hoped to replace De Bruyne with Florian Wirtz, but switched to Cherki and Gibbs-White after determining the new Liverpool player would be too pricey.

On May 25, it was revealed that City could utilize Forest target Matheus Nunes in a deal for Gibbs-White to help reduce the operation’s costs.

If City signed the 25-year-old outright, without a player-plus-cash deal, he would cost around £70 million (€81 million / $95 million).

On June 5, sources told us that Chelsea was interested in signing both Gibbs-White and West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus.

However, Chelsea chose to sign Joao Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion, while Kudus is close to joining Tottenham Hotspur.

Man City transfer news: Talks for two major players

Meanwhile, City has apparently been contacted by the agents of a Real Madrid star, who might compete with Liverpool and Arsenal for his services.

According to rumors, City have also began talks to sign a Champions League finalist from Inter Milan.

You can view every completed City transfer from this summer here.

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