Ethan Nwaneri backed to quit Arsenal amid ‘unfair treatment’ claim
Ethan Nwaneri may be forced to leave Arsenal amid suggestions that he is being treated unfairly in contract negotiations at the Emirates.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, former England and Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson explained that academy players often find themselves in a tricky situation when negotiating new contracts.
The 18-year-old has become a regular fixture in Mikel Arteta’s squad, but the wages on offer are not expected to match those of his more senior teammates.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 7 July that Arsenal are determined to keep Nwaneri and have no intention of letting him leave this summer.
However, the England Under-21 international is less certain about his future with wages and his role in the squad the sticking points as things stand.
Meanwhile, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 8 July that Nwaneri could quit Arsenal after talks with Arteta if he is not given assurances over his role.
Ethan Nwaneri to make Arsenal exit decision after agent talks
Nwaneri is able to play both out wide and in midfield, but the Gunners’ pursuit of both Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze have raised concerns about his role in the side.
However, Brown told Football Insider in January that Arsenal are working to secure Nwaneri’s future and have wanted him to commit to new terms since last year.
Robinson explained that the midfielder may be forced to leave the Emirates to find parity with more senior players, with his agent set to use that as leverage for a new deal.
“As an academy product, you always struggle when your agent goes in for equal pay to players who have come in for big money,” he told Football Insider.
“You’re not always thought of in the same bracket and you’re not always treated the same.
“As wrong as that sounds, it’s just a fact and that’s how it is.
“Once you’ve been at a club for such a long time, sometimes you have to move on to get that respect, that credibility in the dressing room, and that level of pay.
“The agent will be using that as leverage to get the new contract signed.
“You look at what he’s done, he’s still only 18, but in the position he players they’re bringing in Madueke.
“Where does that leave Nwaneri? If Madueke comes in, the agent’s next question will be why can’t you offer him the same wages as Madueke?
“Granted, you have to earn your stripes and at 18 years old he won’t be getting that same type of contract.
“But there’s got to be a certain parity and incentives in the contract.
“I suspect his contract offer at the moment isn’t anything like what the more senior players are on.”
Gabriel Martinelli latest emerges after £70million claim
Amid ongoing speculation surrounding the futures of first-team players and potential incoming deals, Gabriel Martinelli’s role has become a key talking point.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 9 July that Arsenal are unlikely to let Martinelli leave despite closing in on Madueke while they continue to eye alternatives.
Sources say the North London side see the Chelsea star as an additional attacking option, rather than a direct replacement for one of their current players.
However, Brown told Football Insider that Arsenal will accept £70million offers for Martinelli amid growing interest from Saudi Pro League sides.
For more Arsenal and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.