Arsenal are extremely confident of keeping Ethan Nwaneri amid fresh links with Manchester City and Chelsea.
According to Football Insider, Manchester City and Chelsea may have no chance in their attempts to lure Ethan Nwaneri, with Arsenal confident of keeping the 16-year-old emerging star.
Arsenal will keep Ethan Nwaneri
Ethan Nwaneri made history when he became the Premier League’s youngest debutant when Mikel Arteta gave him minutes against Brentford last season. Last weekend, the Gunners boss brought on the 16-year-old for 13 minutes with the team already in an unassailable 6-0 lead over West Ham.
Nwaneri impressed those watching him closely during that cameo, as the 16-year-old also came close to providing an assist in the game. However, there are doubts over his long-term future despite agreeing to stay with Arsenal in the summer.
Back then, there was massive speculation about his immediate future, as Chelsea and Manchester City were lurking around hoping to sign him. Nwaneri might have signed scholarship terms then, although he has reportedly committed to sign professional terms with Arsenal once he turns 17.
Hence, despite Manchester City and Chelsea feeling like they might have a fresh chance to lure the 16-year-old, Arsenal is extremely confident of keeping him for the long-term future. Arteta rates the midfielder rather highly and could use him more in the current season if the conditions are favourable.
Arsenal planning further changes to their youth system
Arsenal have kept hold of some key youngsters like Nwaneri amid rival interest, although they let go of stars like Lino Sousa and Bradley Ibrahim last January. However, they are working hard to extend Amario Cozier-Duberry’s contract, with the winger’s current deal expiring in the summer.
While they would like to keep hold of their best talents, for the first time, Arsenal will have a separate budget to bolster their youth sides in the summer. Only Manchester City and Chelsea are known to have separate allocations for youth sides, as the Gunners now show serious intent towards building a strong foundation at youth levels. Keeping Nwaneri will be the first step towards a big goal.
