Nigeria-eligible teenager Nduka turns down offer of Arsenal contract and joins Man City

NIGERIA-eligible teenage midfielder has turned down the offer of a contract with Arsenal and opted instead to sign a scholarship deal with Premier League rivals Manchester City as part of a move towards signing a professional package.

Nduka, 16, an England youth international is expected to undergo a medical imminently before signing his scholarship deal with Manchester City. A professional contract is expected to follow shortly as City continue their drive to recruit and develop some of the game’s most promising young players.

Regarded as a very promising prospect, Nduka moved to Arsenal from Charlton Athletic in 2025 and played for Arsenal’s Under-18s during the 2025/26 campaign. He also featured for the club’s U21 side in Premier League  Two, leading Arsenal to offer him a highly-competitive long-term contract but the youngster rejected it in exchange for a move to Manchester City.

According to a report by The Athletic, Nduka established himself as one of Arsenal's brightest academy prospects after enjoying an outstanding campaign with the club's youth teams. A gifted midfielder, he enjoyed an outstanding season with the Gunners' U16 side, highlighted by a hat-trick against Norwich City in the Premier League Cup.

His impressive progress also earned him appearances in higher age groups, featuring in the UEFA Youth League, the U-18 Premier League and other elite youth competitions. His consistent displays and technical ability attracted attention from several clubs, raising doubts over his long-term future at Arsenal despite the club's efforts to retain him.

Manchester City have now won the race for the youngster after he opted to reject Arsenal's scholarship and long-term contract offer. His departure adds to a growing list of highly rated academy prospects leaving Arsenal in recent years, following the exits of Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven, who both joined Manchester United.