Chelsea are looking to sign Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri, according to recent reports.
Back in October of last year, Nwaneri was handed his Gunners first-team debut during a 3-0 victory away to Brentford. His substitute appearance made him the youngest player to ever feature in English top-flight history at just 15 years and 181 days.
The talented youngster has continued his development in the north Londoners' youth setup but hasn't featured for Mikel Arteta's side since. Speculation has surrounded his future in recent times and transfer guru Felix Johnston has now claimed that London rivals Chelsea want to bring him to Stamford Bridge, tabling an offer.
Writing on Twitter, Johnston said: "EXCL: Understand Chelsea have tabled an offer to Arsenal starlet Ethan Nwaneri. Nwaneri still yet to sign a scholarship with Arsenal.
"He still hasn’t made a firm decision on his future, so all doors are open, but Chelsea are really pushing."
Under-18s head coach Jack Wilshere has consistently sung Nwaneri's praises, with the former England international keen for the young midfielder to stay with the Gunners. Speaking with football.london about the 16-year-old, Wilshere said: "Us as coaches, and I think it's important for Ethan that we've done this the way we have, I don't get involved in that. It's not for me, it is a Per, a Mikel one.
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"All I care about with Ethan is when he goes over to the first-team, obviously he is still at school, he's so young, but when he goes over to first-team, how can we help him. Mikel says 'he gets it' and that's why it's so important that we align with the first-team, that we have the same football language.
"You've seen in the documentary, Mikel will talk about certain things and if we don't talk about those things and Ethan goes over there, Mikel says to him 'right, do this', Ethan would be saying: 'what?!'
"Us as coaches, that's what we focus on with Ethan, trying to give him the best platform, trying to give him a clear head. He has been exceptional in the Youth Cup as well and to be fair, he's been exceptional with what he's been doing, how he's managed school, his GCSEs. He does well at school as well by the way, which It's important - I know that Per really believes in that - 'better people, better players'.
"So for him to manage that, then obviously it is a new world for him, people talking about him on social media, will he stay, will he go? To manage that as well and still perform in the Youth Cup. Whatever he does, I wish him all the best and he deserves it because of the sacrifices he's made."
Arsenal will of course hope that they are able to keep hold of Nwaneri but it hasn't been uncommon for players to play for both the Gunners and Chelsea in recent times. In fact, Arteta's side are signing Kai Havertz from the Blues in a deal worth £60million, including £5million worth of add-ons.
football.london understands that the north Londoners could unveil Havertz as early as next week, with a medical being done overseas this weekend.
