Chelsea are reportedly very close to sealing a shock move for one of Arsenal’s finest right wingers, taking full advantage of the player’s frustration over limited playing time at the Emirates

Chelsea Football Club has recently shown a growing and serious interest in acquiring Arsenal’s young and highly promising midfielder, Ethan Nwaneri, who is just 18 years old. According to multiple reports dated July 5, 2025, the Blues are not alone in their pursuit—several major clubs across Europe are also closely following the teenager’s situation at the Emirates Stadium. The reason behind this increased attention stems from growing concerns about the limited amount of playing time Nwaneri has been receiving under Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.

Ethan Nwaneri, who rose through the ranks of Arsenal’s prestigious Hale End Academy, has become a player to watch. His current contract with the North London club is set to expire in June 2026. However, negotiations over a new deal have reportedly stalled, mainly due to Nwaneri’s desire for assurances that he will be given regular minutes in the first team. This uncertainty around his future playing time has opened up the possibility of a transfer, generating both excitement and anxiety among the fanbases of Arsenal and Chelsea alike.

Nwaneri first captured widespread attention in 2022 when he made history by becoming the youngest-ever player to appear in a Premier League match—debuting at just 15 years and 181 days old in a game against Brentford. Fast forward to the 2024–25 season, and he enjoyed what many considered his breakout year, making 37 appearances across all competitions. He contributed nine goals and two assists, including a standout performance where he scored twice in a 5–1 League Cup victory over Bolton and netted a goal during a Champions League match against PSV.

Despite this impressive run, things took a turn toward the end of the season. Following the return of Bukayo Saka from injury, Nwaneri saw his playing time reduced dramatically—he was only on the pitch for a total of 42 minutes in Arsenal’s final eight matches. This development has raised serious doubts about where he fits in Arteta’s long-term plans, especially as the manager appears to rely heavily on established players such as Saka and team captain Martin Ødegaard. Although Nwaneri’s ability to play both as a right winger and as a central attacking midfielder (often called a “No. 10”) has earned him comparisons to elite players—former England international Joe Cole, for instance, likened his close ball control to that of Lionel Messi—there are growing fears that incoming signings could further limit his opportunities.

Arsenal are reportedly exploring the possibility of signing more attacking players during this transfer window, including Chelsea’s Noni Madueke. If such additions go through, they could further narrow Nwaneri’s path to consistent first-team football, increasing the chances he may look elsewhere for a team willing to give him a central role.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are one of several top clubs keeping a close watch. Others reportedly interested include Liverpool, Manchester City, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and RB Leipzig, according to sources like The Athletic and transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano. Chelsea’s pursuit fits into their broader recruitment strategy under the Clearlake Capital ownership group, which has been focused on securing the best young talents worldwide. Their recent acquisition of Brazilian teenager Estêvão Willian is a testament to this approach, and Nwaneri would be another jewel in their youth-centered rebuild.

Romano noted on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that Chelsea’s efforts to sign Nwaneri hinge heavily on whether Arsenal can successfully negotiate a new deal. Nwaneri’s representatives are said to be prioritizing guaranteed playing time over financial incentives. Should Arsenal fail to meet his demands, a transfer could become a reality—and it may not come cheap. Estimates suggest a move could cost between €80 million and €100 million, a figure that reflects both his reported Transfermarkt valuation of £47 million and his status as one of the most exciting young English players in the game today.

Interestingly, the relationship between Chelsea and Arsenal may play a role here. The two clubs are already in contact regarding the potential transfer of Madueke, and while the Nwaneri situation is entirely separate, the positive communication lines between the two sides could ease any future negotiations.

Despite all this, Arsenal remains hopeful that they can convince Nwaneri to stay. Sources close to the discussions have told The Athletic that the club is optimistic about extending his contract. Part of the delay in negotiations stemmed from Football Association regulations that prevent players under 18 from signing contracts longer than three years. Since Nwaneri only turned 18 in March 2025, Arsenal had to wait before entering serious talks. However, the sticking point remains his desire for a clearly defined path into the starting lineup, which the club has yet to fully guarantee.

Manager Mikel Arteta has publicly praised Nwaneri for his calmness under pressure and mature attitude, but his approach to youth integration has been viewed by some as overly cautious. For example, another young talent, Myles Lewis-Skelly, has been given more consistent opportunities. This contrast has reportedly deepened Nwaneri’s concerns about his own development trajectory.

Among fans, opinions on social media have been sharply divided. Chelsea supporter @CFCPys warned that if Chelsea manage to sign Nwaneri, it would be a major blow to Arsenal, calling it a “coup.” On the other hand, Arsenal-focused account @GoonerViews has urged the club to finalize a new deal immediately to avoid losing one of their brightest young stars.

This potential transfer saga comes at a challenging time for Arsenal. The club is facing difficulties in the title race and is also heavily involved in transfer negotiations for players like Viktor Gyökeres and Eberechi Eze. For Chelsea, Nwaneri represents a long-term investment in youth, although critics argue that the London club’s existing depth in attacking positions might mean he would face similar challenges finding minutes there too.

Across Europe, clubs are dealing with their own uncertainties. Liverpool are coping with the injury of Diogo Jota, while Bayern Munich are nervously monitoring the fitness of Jamal Musiala. Against this backdrop, Ethan Nwaneri’s situation highlights the intense competition among top clubs to secure the next generation of elite talent. Ultimately, his decision will likely depend on which club can offer him the clearest and most convincing path to becoming a key first-team player.