Transfers between Chelsea and Arsenal have become a more regular occurence over the last few years, and now the name of Ethan Nwaneri has been mentioned as a potential candidate for a move.
The Gunners have recently brought in Kai Havertz and Jorginho from Stamford Bridge, and this summer added Kepa Arrizabalaga as a backup goalkeeper.
Now, Mikel Arteta has reached out to Noni Madueke over a potential move across to North London, and the winger has agreed personal terms despite being at the Club World Cup with the Blues.
As talks over a potential deal for the England international carry on, Ethan Nwaneri has been mentioned as a potential target who could go the other way in the future.
Ethan Nwaneri looks on ahead of Southampton FC v Arsenal FC - Premier League
Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images
There is currently no clarity over the wonderkid’s long-term future, with him yet to put pen to paper over a new deal.
Despite Chelsea being mentioned as an interested party, David Ornstein has claimed that Nwaneri’s preference would be to stay at Arsenal.
He said to The Athletic’s Football Podcast: “There’s a similar situation, of course, with Ethan Nwaneri, an amazing talent, academy product, who we understand wants to stay at Arsenal. That doesn’t always mean it’s a foregone conclusion because you’ve got to get the deal right, his terms expire next summer.
“In one sense, they have got a long time, because when he was moving from scholarship to pro, I don’t think he signed until the very end, just before he was about to become a free agent, and he could’ve had his pick of clubs, but he wanted to stay. Eventually, they got the deal right.”
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“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!”
Chelsea’s attack taking shape for 25/26
Even if Nwaneri wasn’t to make the move to Stamford Bridge, Chelsea are forming an unstoppable-looking attack ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro have just joined the club, with the latter already making his mark during the ongoing Club World Cup.
With Liam Delap already in, the club are close to having the eight or nine attacking options Enzo Maresca wants in his squad.
Even if Madueke leaves, the Blues are considering making another attacking signing. Mohammed Kudus has been strongly linked with the club.