Manchester City are keeping close tabs on the contract situation of Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri, according to reports.
The 18-year-old’s current deal with the Gunners expires next year, and speaking to TBRFootball, journalist Graeme Bailey claims that negotiations over an extension are not going well, with the Cityzens among several teams watching on with interest:
“I think they’re going to lose him. Yeah, it’s looking very, very bad for them in that area – and it’s nothing to do with the finances or anything. I’m told he’s got his pick of clubs around Europe when he’s out of contract next summer.”
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“Nwaneri will be one of the most wanted players. If he gets to next summer and he hasn’t signed his contract, he’ll literally have his pick of clubs from around the world.”
“He’s loved around Europe. He’s loved in England, you know. He will have Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City. He will have them all on his doorstep.”
Do Man City need another attacking midfielder?
Nwaneri’s favoured position is said to be No.10, and some fans may question whether the club need another player with a similar profile to Rayan Cherki.
However, Pep Guardiola‘s side have taken a bit of a gamble on the Frenchman, and if it doesn’t work out for any reason, a move for Nwaneri would make a great deal of sense.
Even if Cherki performs well, Nwaneri would still be a great addition to the squad.
Nwaneri won’t be available on a free transfer
Any player under the 23 cannot move on a free when their contract expires. Arsenal would be due some sort of compensation if Nwaneri does move teams.
If City were to win the race for the teenager, they would still need to agree a fee with the Gunners or the figure could be decided by a tribunal instead.
In other news, a Manchester City midfielder could leave just six months after being signed for £50m