Arsenal to tie down record-breaking Nigerian attacker to new deal despite Manchester City interest

The youngster is highly regarded at Arsenal, and they want to keep him for a long time

English Premier League club Arsenal are planning to offer Nigeria-eligible forward Ethan Nwaneri a new contract to ward off interest from Manchester City, Soccernet.ng reports.

Nwaneri shot into the limelight in September 2022 when he became the youngest-ever Arsenal player to debut in the Premier League. He is also the youngest-ever debutant in the competition.

Since then, he has consistently made the squad, albeit making most of his appearances as a substitute whenever Arsenal have a substantial lead.

This season, Nwaneri has registered 13 goals and three assists in 13 appearances for Arsenal’s junior team, and he has attracted interest from some clubs in England.

Manchester City happen to be one of the teams that are interested in the 16-year-old, but Arsenal are unwilling to sell him as Mikel Arteta highly rates him.

According to Football Insider 247, the Gunners are planning to offer Nwaneri a new deal that would make him the highest-paid youth player in the club’s history.

Nonetheless, both parties have yet to reach an official agreement. But it is likely that Nwaneri would favour staying at Arsenal, as he has already developed a good relationship with the first-team players.

Nwaneri was born to Nigerian parents in England, but he plays for the English youth teams. However, he can still switch allegiances to Nigeria as he has yet to appear for the Three Lions.