Chelsea would be ready to offer ‘important money’ for Ethan Nwaneri, but Arsenal are categorically ruling out a sale, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The 18-year-old’s future has recently been thrown into doubt. Nwaneri was widely expected to sign a new long-term contract with Arsenal for months, but there has been a major hiccup over the past couple of weeks.
In light of Arsenal’s ambitious summer business, Nwaneri and his representatives have sought guarantees of game time. With Noni Madueke and potentially Eberechi Eze set to join the Gunners, the youngster wants assurances of regular minutes.
Arsenal remain confident of securing Nwaneri’s signature as the wonderkid wants to stay at his boyhood club, but the delay in finalising his fresh terms has attracted the attention of suitors, namely Chelsea.
The Blues approached Arsenal to formally register their interest in the attacking midfielder and to make it clear that they would be ready to make a move for him should his contract talks hit an impasse.
Arsenal resist Chelsea approach
Arsenal, for their part, informed their London rivals that they have no intention of selling Nwaneri, as revealed by FootballTransfers. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners continue to resist any ‘temptation’ of engaging in talks over the teenager with Chelsea.
The two clubs have been in constant contact so far this summer, with the North London side signing Kepa Arrizabalaga and now Madueke from the Blues. Naturally, the Stamford Bridge outfit have attempted to broach the topic of Nwaneri during these discussions.
Arsenal, however, have blocked any and all advances, despite Chelsea being ready to offer ‘important money’ for Nwaneri. Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta are now ‘confident’ of extending their golden boy’s contract after a fresh round of talks this week.
It looks increasingly likely that Nwaneri will extend his deal at the Emirates. Arteta is said to have given Nwaneri assurances that he ‘trusts him for the future.’
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