Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United are all pursuing Arsenal attacking midfielder Ethan Nwaneri, according to reports in England.
The 15-year-old became the youngest ever player to make his senior debut in the Premier League when he came on as a substitute in the 3-0 win against Brentford at the weekend.
However, Nwaneri has not signed a professional contract, meaning there is a danger that another Premier League could poach the teenager, and fans on Twitter are hoping that the Gunners can keep him at the Emirates:
we CANNOT let him go
— jessie (@jesshoskingx) September 19, 2022
I don’t know the first thing about this kid but NOT FOR SALE. DEVELOP YOUR OWN 15 YEAR OLD WONDERKID
— Lucas Casey (@_lucascasey) September 20, 2022
Explains why he got a debut.
— Stephen (@TILIKI_OS) September 19, 2022
We didn’t field him for an exhibition for other clubs to sign him 😑
— Jetha da Gooner (@aatmaram_arteta) September 19, 2022
Pls don’t let out this boy I don’t want to lose him like Gnabry 😢
— No9To5 ~ No9ine2five♌️⚖️ (@lekzyboyola) September 19, 2022
Hands off
— Henry Omelly 💎 (@kingVon202) September 19, 2022
Now it makes sense why arteta was being told by Per, edu to take a look at him, obv there must be something special about him but looks like his head might be turning, hope he signs for us though 🔴⚪
— Harry (@SlickH0108) September 19, 2022
Club have done all they can bringing him in to the first team if he decides to leave nothing they do, lets hope he signs on it's exciting times at Arsenal
— John Kil (@JohnKilpatric11) September 19, 2022
As one supporter points out, Nwaneri’s contract situation does explain why manager Mikel Arteta was so keen to hand the young midfielder some minutes in the first team. It’s clearly part of a strategy to keep the player at the club.
Whether it will be enough to deter Nwaneri from opting to leave the Hale End academy, we shall have to wait and see.