Arsenal’s 16-year-old starlet Ethan Nwaneri is reportedly being courted by rival clubs Chelsea and Manchester City, leaving the Gunners with a race against time to secure his services. Nwaneri made history in September 2021 when he became the Premier League’s youngest player at just 15 years and 181 days old, coming off the bench in Arsenal’s 3-0 away win at Brentford. However, the midfielder’s schoolboy registration with Arsenal is set to expire at the end of the week, giving the Gunners until Friday to agree on scholarship terms or risk losing him to another club.
Arsenal has reportedly made an “attractive” offer to Nwaneri, with manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu playing key roles in the negotiations. The club has also mapped out a path for Nwaneri to reach the first team, with the midfielder eligible to sign a professional deal when he turns 17. However, should Nwaneri decide to leave, Arsenal would be due compensation after a tribunal hearing, with the fee likely to be higher due to his senior outing last season.
Nwaneri’s potential departure would be a blow for Arsenal, who have already lost promising youngster Omari Hutchinson to Chelsea last summer. Arsenal’s U18 boss Jack Wilshere has expressed his desire for Nwaneri to stay, describing him as an “exceptional talent.” However, Wilshere also emphasized that their job as coaches is to develop Nwaneri and help him when he goes with the first-team, and they do not get involved in contract negotiations.
The news of Nwaneri’s potential departure highlights the importance of securing young talent early on, particularly in a highly competitive league like the Premier League. Clubs are constantly on the lookout for promising young players who can make an impact in the first team, and Arsenal will need to act fast if they want to keep Nwaneri in their ranks.
Heading 1: Arsenal’s Race Against Time to Keep Starlet Ethan Nwaneri
Heading 2: Nwaneri’s Potential Departure Highlights Importance of Securing Young Talent
Heading 3: Arsenal’s Offer to Nwaneri Described as “Attractive” Amidst Interest from Rival Clubs
Heading 4: Arsenal U18 Boss Desperate for Nwaneri to Stay, Describes Him as “Exceptional Talent”