Arsenal latest: Bombshell Ethan Nwaneri revelation as star's Spurs decision slammed

Arsenal picked up a midweek win over Chelsea while there has been focus on some Gunners-related activity away from Emirates Stadium

Arsenal have recovered from their Premier League setback against Manchester United to regain momentum in their quest for silverware. Mikel Arteta's side defeated Kairat to complete a flawless Champions League league phase before comfortably dispatching Leeds in the Premier League and securing a place in the Carabao Cup final with a 4-2 aggregate victory over Chelsea.

These results came despite the absence of Mikel Merino, who is now facing a spell on the sidelines after suffering a broken foot. Despite this setback, the Gunners resisted the urge to splash significant cash in the transfer market.

Only two new arrivals came through the door on deadline day, both teenagers. Defender Jaden Dixon made the switch from Stoke City whilst striker Evan Mooney travelled down from Scotland after helping St Mirren lift the Scottish League Cup.

Two youngsters who won't be featuring for Arsenal during the remainder of this campaign are Ethan Nwaneri and James Wilson. Nwaneri has been continuing his loan spell at Marseille despite speculation about a potential recall following Merino's injury and Hearts' Wilson opted for Tottenham despite reported interest from the Gunners. Both are in focus as we bring you the latest from around Emirates Stadium.

FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

Nwaneri red card claim

Ethan Nwaneri marked his Marseille debut with a goal against Lens, but it was his midweek appearance that sparked controversy. The 18-year-old was given his first home start in the Coupe de France clash with Rennes, yet found himself at the centre of a refereeing debate after a challenge on former Arsenal prospect Glen Kamara in the opening period.

Nwaneri received a yellow card for the foul, which left Kamara requiring treatment before he was withdrawn a few minutes later. Rennes manager Habib Beye later claimed match officials privately acknowledged they had erred in not dismissing the youngster.

"The match was altered by our early mistake and by that of the refereeing trio who had the honesty to admit it," Beye said. The referee was unable to call on VAR so the initial decision to show a yellow card could not be overturned.

Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi opted to substitute Nwaneri at half-time to avoid the risk of a second booking. Marseille cruised to a 3-0 victory, with goals from Amine Gouiri, Mason Greenwood and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang securing their place in the last eight.

Hearts manager's Wilson verdict

Hearts boss Derek McInnes has suggested James Wilson should not have left Tynecastle for Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on deadline day. Despite being linked with Arsenal, Wilson opted for a loan switch to north London rivals Spurs for the remainder of the campaign.

Wilson, 18, opened his account in the Scottish Premiership last season and earned his first senior international cap with Scotland in March 2025. However, the teenager has featured less frequently this season, with McInnes acknowledging he was unable to persuade him to remain with the table-toppers amid a lack of action.

"His head was turned with the Tottenham thing," McInnes said. "First of all it was Arsenal, then Arsenal went quiet and then all of a sudden Tottenham came to the table on [Monday] afternoon.

"I don't think it's the right move for him. Ultimately, it's academy football and I think he's better than that. But it was something James wanted to do.

"So like I say, we made it clear that our preference was for him to stay and be part of something here. But he made the decision and I hope it goes well for him because he's a great kid and we'll see how it plays out."