Chelsea have reportedly been monitoring the situation of Ethan Nwaneri at Arsenal, as he is yet to sign a new deal. Nwaneri’s contract is due to expire at the end of this coming season, but football.london understands that the club remains calm about the 18-year-old’s future, with talks over a potential new deal ongoing.
Chelsea, who are in negotiations with Arsenal over Noni Madueke, have made an enquiry about Nwaneri’s availability. In a new update by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, he claims the 18-year-old ‘wants to stay’ at the Emirates.
However, Arsenal will still need to get the deal right with his terms expiring next summer. The Gunners’ feeling is understandably mutual, with Nwaneri coming through their academy as a highly-rated product.
Speaking on The Athletic podcast, Ornstein explained: “In one sense, they have got a long time, because when he was moving from scholarship to pro, I don’t think he signed until the very end, just before he was about to become a free agent, and he could’ve had his pick of clubs, but he wanted to stay. Eventually, they got the deal right.”
Nonetheless, interest in the youngster has continued to grow, with clubs in Germany reportedly also monitoring his situation.
“There will be tons of suitors for him if he is to become available,” Ornstein added.
For now, Arsenal and Nwaneri remain focused on continuing talks. Nwaneri scored nine goals in 37 appearances for Arsenal across all competitions last season.
But those numbers do not fully reflect the impact he had for the Gunners. He has even been compared to Lionel Messi, with Joe Cole previously saying: “These little touches in and around the box – I don’t even want to say it, but it’s like Lionel Messi.
“I don’t want to put any more pressure on him, but the touches off the back foot entices the defender, then the touch off the toe to send him off balance.
“He plays with such confidence, a beautiful player.”
So far, Chelsea have completed the signings of Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Dario Essugo, and Mamadou Sarr. Estevao Willian is also set to join the club from Palmeiras this summer.
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