Reliable journo provides unflattering update on Chelsea’s pursuit of rival starlet

Arsenal are confident of tying down Ethan Nwaneri despite interest from Chelsea

Premier League leaders Arsenal are hopeful of retaining the services of Ethan Nwaneri, who has garnered interest from many major clubs including Chelsea.

After 15-year-old Nwaneri made his professional debut for the Gunners at the start of the season and became the youngest player to compete in the Premier League. He has a high ceiling and is definitely a talent to keep an eye out for.

Nwaneri appears to have a bright future at the Emirates, but with his contract winding down, interested parties were circling. Chelsea and Manchester City are among the clubs in the hunt.

Arsenal are confident of tying down Ethan Nwaneri despite interest from Chelsea.   (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Chelsea are interested in signing Ethan Nwaneri (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Arsenal will make an effort to keep Nwaneri since they value him immensely, but he also makes it clear that he is less certain about the rumoured attention from City. The 15-year-old has excelled in the U18 Premier League, where in eight games he has two goals and three assists.

Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano provided an update on his current contract condition in the exclusive Caught Offside column:

“I’m not aware of Manchester City entering the race; Chelsea always follow top talents, but Arsenal want him to sign a new deal; I’m sure they will try again and again as they consider Nwaneri a top talent.”

Arsenal are confident of tying down Ethan Nwaneri despite interest from Chelsea.  (Credit- CNN)
Arsenal are hoping to extend Nwaneri’s contract (Credit- CNN)

We have expressed a strong desire to add young players because Todd Boehly is eager on investing in youth, as seen by the January transfer window and the subsequent addition of Dujuan Richards. And if Nwaneri decides not to extend his contract at Arsenal, the Blues could have a chance to sign another promising young player.

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However, there could be problems when signing young players because we have to give our academy players opportunities to compete in the English top division. And the abundant signing of young players then won’t be sensible if they aren’t promoted to the first team, as it could impact their competence level.