Arsenal will tie down the promising midfielder to a professional contract.
Ethan Nwaneri has reportedly decided to commit his future to Arsenal despite interest from Chelsea and Manchester City.
Nwaneri became the youngest player in Premier League history when he came off the bench against Brentford last season. Having made his senior debut at the age of 15, Nwaneri is considered among the best teenage midfielders in the English top flight.
Playing for Arsenal’s academy ranks, he registered six goals and four assists last season. The 16-year-old’s performances also secured him a spot in England’s U17 team.
Both Man City and Chelsea showed interest in adding Nwaneri to their ranks earlier this summer. But it seems the teenager has decided to stay at his current club.
According to the Athletic, Nwaneri has agreed to sign a professional contract at Emirates when he turns 17 in March 2024. The player is currently on a schoolboy registration that’s due to expire at the end of this month.
Nwaneri is versatile enough to play both as an attacking midfielder and on the flanks. His performances earned him praise from Jack Wilshere, who works as Arsenal’s U18 boss.
“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,” Wilshere told football.london.
He added: “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.”
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