Chelsea are eyeing a shock move to sign Arsenal sensation Ethan Nwaneri, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Blues have already had a very busy summer transfer window improving their attacking options with Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens signing, while Estevao is also set to arrive from Palmeiras after a deal was completed for him last year.
That has opened the door to the exit of several first-team options, with Arsenal keen on Noni Madueke, but Chelsea are clearly not done looking at potential options.
Chelsea Eyeing Nwaneri Deal
Teenager's contract talks are ongoing
Arsenal attacking midfielder Ethan Nwaneri celebrating
Nwaneri, who has been described as 'unbelievable' by Mikel Arteta, finally broke into the Arsenal first-team during the 2024/25 season despite being just 17-years-old.
His performances have seen fans calling for him to become a regular in the starting lineup, but the Gunners are said to be taking things slowly over his development and talks are ongoing about handing him a new contract beyond the summer of 2026.
But after Fabrizio Romano reported that the player is seeking guarantees over playing time before committing his future to north London, the reliable journalist has now revealed that Chelsea are keeping a close eye on the situation and are keen on signing him if he becomes available.
Talks between Arsenal and Nwaneri are ongoing, and Chelsea have not held talks with either the club or player about a deal, but the interest from Stamford Bridge is real and long-standing.
If any deal for Nwaneri were to materialise it would be separate to the deal that is in the works for Madueke, with the England international having agreed personal terms with the Reds ahead of a potential move across London.
Chelsea are alert to the situation and would be keen to make a move should talks break down, and that should be a major worry for Arsenal.
Ethan Nwaneri's Arsenal Stats (2024/25 Premier League)
Games
Goals
Assists
Goal-creating actions
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All statistics courtesy of WhoScored - correct as of 06/07/2025.
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