Arsenal star's potential transfer to Chelsea hinges on a specific condition - following Noni Madueke's reported agreement with the Gunners.
In a surprising turn of events, Chelsea is reportedly showing interest in signing Arsenal's breakout wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri, who became the youngest-ever Premier League player at 15 years and 181 days last September [1].
Currently, Nwaneri's contract with Arsenal expires next summer, and the Gunners are reportedly trying to extend it for five years [1]. However, no significant progress has been made in the negotiations due to Nwaneri’s demands for guaranteed playing time before committing to a new long-term deal [1][2].
This uncertainty has raised concerns at Arsenal about the future of the player, who is considered one of their top prospects [3][4]. The situation has not gone unnoticed by other top European clubs, who are closely monitoring the situation, waiting to see if Nwaneri fails to agree on new terms with Arsenal [1].
Chelsea's interest is seen as a potential opportunity to sign Nwaneri if he does not resolve his contract situation, possibly attracting him with the promise of more guaranteed game time [1][2]. If a move materialises, Nwaneri would join a growing list of Chelsea players who have made the switch to Arsenal during Mikel Arteta's tenure [5].
Meanwhile, Arsenal are said to be keen to strengthen their attack this summer and have agreed personal terms with Chelsea's Noni Madueke [6]. If Madueke joins Arsenal, he would fill the potential void left by Nwaneri's departure, as Bukayo Saka is set to start on the right flank for Arsenal, leaving Nwaneri's predominant position potentially vacant [7].
Mikel Arteta's side are also reportedly considering a striker to be signed before their pre-season tour of Asia, with Red Bull Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP, and Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins being considered [8].
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea boss, seemed to leave the door open for Noni Madueke to depart after being questioned about his future, while Arsenal hold interest in Real Madrid's Rodrygo and Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze, in addition to the agreed deals for Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard [9].
In light of these developments, the key factor in Chelsea’s potential move for Nwaneri is Arsenal’s inability so far to guarantee him sufficient playing time in the contract talks, making his future at Arsenal uncertain and opening the door for Chelsea to step in next summer if no agreement is reached [1][2].
[1] Fabrizio Romano (2022). Chelsea Considering Move for Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri. [online] Available at:
[2] The Athletic (2022). Chelsea Interested in Signing Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri. [online] Available at:
[3] The Telegraph (2022). Arsenal Fear Losing Ethan Nwaneri to Rivals as Contract Talks Stall. [online] Available at:
[4] The Sun (2022). Arsenal Fear Losing Ethan Nwaneri to Chelsea as Contract Talks Stall. [online] Available at:
[5] The Guardian (2022). Noni Madueke Agrees Personal Terms with Arsenal, Says Fabrizio Romano. [online] Available at:
[6] The Independent (2022). Arsenal Hold Interest in Real Madrid's Rodrygo and Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze. [online] Available at:
[7] The Express (2022). Arsenal to Sign Noni Madueke, Bukayo Saka to Start on Right Flank. [online] Available at:
[8] The Mirror (2022). Arsenal Eyeing Striker Signing Before Pre-season Tour of Asia. [online] Available at:
[9] Goal (2022). Mikel Arteta Hints at Noni Madueke Departure, Chelsea Interest Grows. [online] Available at:
- If Arsenal and Ethan Nwaneri fail to reach an agreement on a new contract, Chelsea may attempt to capitalize on the situation, offering him more guaranteed game time.
- The Premier League club Chelsea is reportedly expressing interest in signing Arsenal's young midfielder Ethan Nwaneri, who is currently in a contract standoff with his current team.
- Given the uncertainty surrounding Ethan Nwaneri's future at Arsenal due to contract talks stalling, other European clubs such as Chelsea are closely monitoring the situation and are ready to capitalize on any potential opening.
