OFFICIAL: Chelsea target Ethan Nwaneri agrees deal

Arsenal wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri has officially put pen to paper on a new contract amid interest from Chelsea.

The 18-year-old has been the subject of intense speculation this summer as discussions over a new deal hit a surprising stumbling block. Due to Arsenal bringing in several attacking reinforcements, including Noni Madueke, Nwaneri wanted game time guarantees.

This delayed his negotiations with Arsenal despite a willingness to remain at his boyhood club. It also emboldened suitors to approach the Gunners regarding a potential transfer.

Chelsea, in particular, sought to try their luck, expressing an interest in the attacking midfielder during the talks over Madueke. However, Arsenal immediately made it clear that Nwaneri was not for sale.

The North London club refused to engage in any further discussions over a move for the youngster, despite the fact that Chelsea were ready to put big money on the table for the England U21 star.

Nwaneri signs new Arsenal contract

A few weeks on from Chelsea’s approach, Arsenal have now been able to officially confirm that Nwaneri has signed a new long-term contract with the club.

Nwaneri has committed his future to the Gunners for the next five years as he seeks to continue his steep upward trajectory under Mikel Arteta. “Signing this contract means everything to me,” the teenager said after putting pen to paper.

“I see this as my first real season in men’s senior football, as part of the squad in the changing room. I’m so excited for what I can bring to the team, I want to help us win as much as possible and bring happiness and glory to the club. This is where I feel at home.”

To date, Nwaneri has made 39 senior appearances for Arsenal, scoring nine goals and providing two assists. He is still the youngest player to debut in the Premier League after making his first outing in 2022, aged just 15 and 181 days.

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