Arsenal are under increasing pressure to resolve Ethan Nwaneri’s contract situation, with Chelsea monitoring developments closely should negotiations collapse.
The 18-year-old attacking midfielder has yet to agree terms on a long-term extension despite turning professional last year. Talks are ongoing, but progress has been slow, and Gunners fans are growing worried over the situation.
Softfootball can confirm that Arsenal were only permitted to offer an extended deal after Nwaneri turned 18 in March, due to FA regulations that limit underage contracts to a maximum of three years.
The main issue in the ongoing negotiations certainly is Nwaneri’s demands for guaranteed game time. While he is a talented player, that isn’t something Arsenal can promise him just yet.
While both parties remain engaged, the delay has alerted rival clubs. Chelsea, in particular, are understood to be keeping a close watch and are prepared to make a move if an agreement with Arsenal falls through.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Chelsea are showing interest in the England Under-21 international if Arsenal fail to agree on a new deal. These were his statements;
“Chelsea have been showing interest in Ethan Nwaneri situation, only in case new deal won’t be sealed with Arsenal.
“Nwaneri & Arsenal, in talks over new deal while player wants game time guaranteed. Separate deal from [Noni] Madueke who agreed personal terms with Arsenal.”
The Gunners starlet became the youngest player in Premier League history in September 2022 when he made his debut at the age of 15 years and 181 days.
Now 18, Nwaneri is considered one of the most promising young talents in world football with his role increasing in Mikel Arteta’s side last season, particularly as they faced a number of injury issues.
Nwaneri made 37 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions, contributing nine goals and two assists, and his performances have caught the eye of a number of clubs around Europe.
And doubts have emerged over his continuation at Arsenal, with his deal running out in the summer of 2026 and the Gunners not yet agreeing on a new contract.
Amid the contract extension saga, Arsenal fans are hoping not to lose the youngster to rival Chelsea, as they have aired their concerns across social media platforms. Softfootball curated some of the reactions from football fans on X below:
Ethan Nwaneri again? What is Chelsea’s obsession with young and unproven talent?
— Anayo.sui (@AnayoPhd) July 5, 2025
Arteta is really going to give our best youngster to Chelsea and continue to sign washed rejects from Chelshit but casuals want to tell me he’s not a Chelsea fan
— ⚡️ (@seanafc_) July 5, 2025
Arsenal will regret letting this young man go
— Ser Chukwuka (@official_papson) July 5, 2025
If Arteta sell Nwaneri kind of talents and buy Madueke kind of ones then ended with zero major 🏆 then Arsenal club has to build a statue infront of Emirates stadium 🤣🤣🤣😂😂. Nowadays a players prime time is between 18 to 23 especially most of the fwd players. There is no…
— Cjus (@Ssju_s) July 5, 2025
It is concerning that Arteta and Berta risk losing a generational talent like Nwaneri because they’re obsessed with Chelsea rejects. How could they justify promising Madueke playing time over Nwaneri? #AFC pic.twitter.com/W3wP2sw1M2
— paparazzi ♥️🦅 (@Paparazzi703) July 6, 2025
The youngster spent a lot of last season on the bench, only really coming into the starting lineup for less important games or when others were injured. He filled in on the right wing when Bukayo Saka was absent, as well as playing in midfield on occasion.
A prior report from Softfootball revealed that Arsenal transfer target Rodrygo has sent ca lear message to Real Madrid amid snub. The Brazilian winger, once considered untouchable at Real Madrid, now finds himself at a crossroads.
And after the latest snub from manager Xabi Alonso, he’s made it crystal clear: he’s not going to sit quietly on the sidelines. The 24-year-old scored 14 goals and provided nine assists in 51 appearances across all competitions last season, and also registered one assist at the Club World Cup.
A change of manager to Xabi Alonso presented an opportunity for a fresh start, though for Rodrygo, it has been more of the same treatment.
