Arsenal 'take quick Ethan Nwaneri action' as Chelsea and Man City transfer fear emerges

Arsenal have reportedly moved swiftly to offer a new long-term contract to Ethan Nwaneri in an attempt to fend off Premier League duo Chelsea and Manchester City. The Gunners starlet, who celebrates his 18th birthday today (March 21), is set to be rewarded for his breakthrough season with an extended deal and reports of a 200 per cent pay rise. Nwaneri has scored eight goals in 29 appearances for his boyhood club this season and Mikel Arteta will desperate to keep one of Europe's most exciting talents out of the clutches of their mega-rich top-flight rivals.

The Daily Mail report that Arsenal are prepared to hand Nwaneri a new five-year contract to keep him at the club until June 2030, which will include a significant bump on the professional contract he penned as a youngster. Nwaneri signed his first professional contract when he turned 17 last year, ending speculation that he could leave for Chelsea after the Blues showed strong interest in the youngster. However, his current deal only lasts for a maximum three years, leaving Arsenal vulnerable to lucrative offers.

Arsenal have already seen a number of youngsters depart for nominal fees, with Omari Hutchinson heading to Stamford Bridge two years ago and Ayden Heaven joining Manchester United in January. But they are determined to ward off interest in Nwaneri by handing the Hale End starlet improved terms to commit himself to staying at the Emirates Stadium.

Nwaneri has been a revelation for the north London outfit since stepping into the side in Bukayo Saka's absence and the report claims he had 'surpassed expectations' of Arsenal's coaches. He scored twice in the 5-1 win over Bolton in the Carabao Cup in September and has continued to impress whenever he has been handed minutes by Arteta.

The winger found the net against Nottingham Forest, Brighton and notably in the thrashing of City earlier this season. He produced a standout display against PSV earlier this month when the rampant Gunners stormed to a 7-1 victory in the Champions League, with the teenager scoring once and playing a part in setting up two other goals.

Hopes have been high for Nwaneri ever since he became the club's youngest-ever player, aged 15 years and 181 days, after coming off the bench against Brentford in September 2022. That offered a glimpse into how highly he is rated amongst the club's youth coaches and his continued rise in the academy ranks led to him being promoted to the first team this season.

After effectively seeing their title hopes fade in the last month, Arsenal are switching their focus to locking down their key players with fresh renewals. Nwaneri is a priority along with Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes - all of whom have two years left to run of their respective agreements.