Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka react to Ethan Nwaneri amid contract talks
Arsenal stars have reacted to Ethan Nwaneri’s message as the youngster weighs up whether to sign a new contract at the club.
Nwaneri broke into the first team last season and is regarded as one of the club’s brightest young talents.
With his current deal at the Emirates expiring next summer the club want to tie the 18-year-old down to a new contract and have no intention to sell.
However, it was exclusively revealed by Football Insider that Arsenal will demand £50million for any deal to happen, with London rivals Chelsea one interested party.
Team mates support Nwaneri in latest post
Nwaneri took to Instagram (12 July) to post pictures of him starting his pre-season preparations.
The Gunners are currently in Spain before they start their tour of Singapore and Hong Kong ahead of the new Premier League season that begins next month.
The midfielder captioned the post: “Good work away with the team, ready,” which was liked by many of his Arsenal team mates including Rice and Saka.
His return to training comes just two weeks after he was part of the England Under-21 squad that won their second consecutive Euros title.
Limited chances could force Nwaneri departure
Football Insider Verdict
As Nwaneri and Arsenal return to pre-season, the midfielder still hasn’t decided where his future lies.
Manager Mikel Arteta trusted Nwaneri in the first team last season following injuries to key players, but the Spaniard has been busy in the transfer market this summer adding further depth to his squad.
Opportunities for the teenager may therefore be more limited next campaign, and a move away from the Emirates may be better for his development and for guaranteeing regular minutes.
| Appearances | 37 |
| Goals | 9 |
| Assists | 2 |
The expected arrival of Noni Madueke will provide competition for Saka, a position Nwaneri has taken up when the winger was injured.
Nwaneri has shown his quality in the Premier League and Champions League, and will not want to slip further down the pecking order.
He can also play in the number 10 role, but with captain Martin Odegaard occupying that position, Nwaneri would find it tough to dislodge the Norwegian.
Arteta should not be wanting to lose a technically gifted player, but it looks tough to see where the minutes will come from for Nwaneri if he stays in North London.