Arsenal are reportedly fighting to keep hold of Ethan Nwaneri, with Chelsea and Manchester City keen to sign the young star when his contract expires.
Nwaneri made headlines in September when he came off the bench in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Brentford to become the youngest player in the Premier League. He was aged 15 years and 181 days old at the time and the appearance sparked hype around the attacking midfielder.
Now the Gunners are just three days away from potentially losing Nwaneri to a rival club, with his current contract set to expire at the end of June. Now 16, Nwaneri’s schoolboy registration runs out on July 1, meaning he will become free to move elsewhere.
The Evening Standard reports that Arsenal have made an ‘attractive offer’ of scholarship terms to Nwaneri. Academy manager Per Mertesacker, manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu have all been involved in trying to convince the midfielder that his future is at the Emirates Stadium.
Nwaneri will not be able to sign a professional deal until he turns 17 in March. Despite his brief debut remaining his only senior appearance, Arteta has tried to keep Nwaneri involved in the first team. He has regularly trained with the senior group and went to Dubai for their mid-season training camp.
But there are concerns that Chelsea or City might be able to tempt the youngster away from north London. They both have renowned academy structures and are able to offer lucrative deals to young players.
If he does choose to move elsewhere, Arsenal would be due compensation at a tribunal hearing because Nwaneri was developed at Hale End and has played for the first team.
Speaking after his debut, Arteta explained why he decided to hand the youngster an opportunity. “I met the boy, I really liked what I saw,” he said.
"He trained with us a couple of times. I had that feeling yesterday that if the opportunity could come, I would do it. He deserves it. He has been doing great. He is such a big talent we want to keep with us.”
He added: “In your career all the steps are not going to be forward. After that, maybe he needs three backwards to go another one forward, but as well I think it sends a really strong message about who we are as a club.”
Arsenal are hoping that Nwaneri will follow in the footsteps of his team-mate Myles Lewis-Skelly, who agreed earlier this year to stay with the club. The 16-year-old will only be able to sign a professional deal when he turns 17 in September, but the Gunners moved quickly to ensure he won’t be poached this summer.
