Sources: Arsenal ‘doing all they can’ to stop Ethan Nwaneri joining Man City
Arsenal are “doing all they can” to prevent midfield sensation Ethan Nwaneri from leaving for Man City, sources have told Football Insider.
This site revealed on Wednesday (10 May) that Man City are becoming increasingly confident of landing the 16-year-old.
However, a well-placed Arsenal source has revealed that an exit for Nwaneri is not done and dusted despite strong interest from the Premier League leaders.
If an exit were to be finalised, the Gunners would only be due a compensation package for his training and education as the youngster is yet to pen his first professional contract.
Nwaneri can only sign professional terms when he turns 17 in March 2024.
Man City are continuing to scour the market for the best young talent in England and Europe and have spotted an opportunity to pounce for Nwaneri.
It is believed that Chelsea have also monitored the youngster’s situation in recent months.
Arsenal made Nwaneri the youngest-ever Premier League player earlier this season when he came off the bench against Brentford at just 15 years and 181 days old.
He hasn’t featured in a senior squad since that record-breaking moment.
The sensation has, however, starred in age-group games this season, notching six goals and four assists in 26 combined appearances for the Under-18s and Under-21s.
He is also capped for England at youth level, turning out 12 times for the Under-17 side and scoring seven goals.
Nwaneri, who has been labelled “exceptional” by Arsenal Under-18 coach Jack Wilshere, can play in attacking midfield, on both flanks – and lead the line.
Man City’s youth academy has become a force in recent years, winning three consecutive league titles at Under-18 level to replicate their senior success.
In other news, Arsenal 23-year-old rejects contract offer in major blow.