‘Ethan Nwaneri makes Arsenal decision after late Man City twist’
Ethan Nwaneri is closing in on signing a new contract with Arsenal despite interest from Chelsea, while Man City were also keeping an eye on his situation.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Pep Guardiola’s side have been long-term admirers of the 18-year-old.
Nwaneri has just one year remaining on his current contract at the Emirates and had put clubs on alert, but his future is expected to be resolved in due course.
This comes after Football Insider revealed in March that Arsenal are pushing to agree terms with Nwaneri, who is “very happy” playing under Mikel Arteta.
Both City and Chelsea have been keeping a close eye on his situation, and were prepared to step up their interest should his camp have given encouragement.
However, Football Insider exclusively revealed on 7 July that Arsenal were not prepared to lose Nwaneri, and are now confident of reaching a contract agreement.
Ethan Nwaneri to stay at Arsenal after contract warning
Brown warned Football Insider on 8 July that Nwaneri could quit Arsenal amid concerns about his playing time following face-to-face talks with Arteta.
Now, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted the England Under-21 international is prepared to snub interest and stay at Arsenal.
“Nwaneri won’t want to push for a move like this,” he told Football Insider.
“As an academy product, his first choice is always going to be to stay at Arsenal.
“There will be pros and cons to any decision, and I expect he has considered his options because interest from Chelsea and even Man City is always going to be tempting.
“But if the issues he’s been having in contract talks can be resolved, that will be his priority.
“A lot will depend on what the club can offer both in terms of wages and playing time.
“They might have to meet in the middle a bit to get the deal done, because I’m sure they don’t want to lose him as much as he would prefer to stay.
“In that case I expect them to make progress towards a deal and eventually reach an agreement.
“But it’s a very difficult situation for Nwaneri and for Arsenal.”
Rodrygo to leave Real Madrid as Liverpool join race
Alongside their efforts behind the scenes to agree terms with Nwaneri, the Gunners have also been looking to strengthen their squad in the transfer market.
While they are closing in on deals for Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres, Brown told Football Insider that Arsenal remain interested in signing Rodrygo.
As the window drags on, there is a growing feeling that the Brazil star could be allowed to leave Los Blancos as Xabi Alonso looks to head in a new direction.
However, Arsenal are not expected to be alone in their pursuit as Brown told Football Insider Liverpool want to sign Rodrygo and have been keeping tabs on his situation.
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