LONDON, ENGLAND — Arsenal academy prospect Mishel Nduka has confirmed his departure from the club with a farewell message on Instagram, bringing an unexpected end to his brief spell at Hale End and paving the way for a move to Manchester City.
The 16-year-old midfielder thanked Arsenal in a short social media post, tagging the club alongside a heart emoji. His decision follows his rejection of a new long-term contract from the Gunners, despite the club reportedly presenting him with a competitive offer to remain in north London.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported in July that Manchester City had reached an agreement to sign Nduka. The teenager was expected to complete a medical before receiving a scholarship, with a professional contract potentially following later. While scholar moves do not involve the same transfer fees as senior deals, losing a promising youngster still represents a setback for Arsenal’s academy setup.
Nduka joined Arsenal from Charlton Athletic in 2025 and spent last season playing primarily for the under-18 side. He also made appearances for the under-21s in Premier League 2 and featured in the UEFA Youth League, gaining valuable experience against some of Europe’s best young talents. His performances caught the eye of coaches at the club, and there was hope that he would develop into a first-team contender.
The young midfielder has represented England at youth level, collecting seven Under-16 caps. However, despite showing promise during his first year in north London, he has now decided that his next development step will come away from Arsenal. His departure is a reminder of the fierce competition among elite clubs for highly rated academy players, with Manchester City continuing to strengthen their youth ranks.
Manchester City have established a reputation for recruiting promising young players, making Nduka another addition to their growing academy setup. The club previously brought in Jeremy Monga from Leicester after Arsenal withdrew from that deal, and they have consistently invested in their youth development programme. City’s ability to offer a clear pathway to first-team football, combined with their world-class facilities and coaching, has made them an attractive destination for young talent.
Arsenal have continued investing heavily in their youth system, bringing several teenagers into the academy during the summer. The club’s Hale End academy has produced a number of first-team players in recent years, including Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, and Eddie Nketiah. However, Nduka’s decision means another promising Hale End player will now pursue his development at the Etihad.
Until Manchester City officially announce the move, Nduka’s farewell post and Ornstein’s previous report remain the key indications of the transfer. Nevertheless, his decision to leave Arsenal for City marks a surprising change for the teenager and a blow to the Gunners’ hopes of retaining one of their most promising young midfielders. Arsenal will now focus on developing the next generation of talent as they continue to compete for honours at both youth and senior levels.
