**Chelsea do hold an “interest” in Arsenal attacking midfielder Ethan Nwaneri, according to _The Athletic_‘s David Ornstein.**
There have been reports that the Blues have made enquiries about the 18-year-old, whose contract at the Emirates expires at the end of next season.
However, speaking on _The Athletic_ podcast, Ornstein said that discussions over a new deal are still ongoing and Chelsea won’t be the only club pursuing Nwaneri if it becomes clear that he won’t sign an extension:
“With Nwaneri, there’s interest building in him, no surprise, you’d be more surprised if there wasn’t. It’s clear that there’s interest on the continent from Germany. Interest from Chelsea.”
“There will be tons of suitors for him if he is to become available. But, right now, the focus is on the talks. Are they going to reach an agreement? Arsenal want to. He will be keen to stay!”
The teenager did make 37 appearances for Mikel Arteta’s side last season but both he and his representatives are concerned that players may be signe this summer who may take minutes away from him.
It is believed that the Gunners do hold a strong interest in Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze. The 27-year-old’s best position is No.10, which is where Nwaneri would like to play as well.
If [**Noni Madueke**](https://chelseanews.com/blog/chelsea-transfer-news-noni-madueke-johnson/) does also move across London, it would limit Nwaneri’s game time on the right wing.
Chelsea have shown interest in another Arsenal youngster
--------------------------------------------------------
Reports suggest that, in initial talks with the Gunners about Madueke, the Blues proposed the idea of Max Dowman moving in the other direction.
The 15-year-old is regarded as one of the brightest young prospects in English football, and it is not surprising that the suggestion was rejected out of hand.
In other news, [**William Gallas has compared a Chelsea midfielder with Frank Lampard but he worries that he could move to Real Madrid next year**](https://chelseanews.com/blog/chelsea-transfer-news-enzo-fernandez-gallas/).