Arsenal are now confident wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri will remain at the club long-term amid interest from Chelsea and Man City, sources have told Football Insider.
The 16-year-old played 13 minutes from the bench on Sunday (11 February) as the Gunners ran out 6-0 winners against West Ham.
Nwaneri has already agreed to sign a professional deal at the Emirates Stadium when he turns 17 next month.
It is believed he is firmly in the plans of Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta in the 2023-24 campaign and beyond.
Sources have told Football Insider that the young midfielder also has the trust of established first-team players, who can see his immense talent.
Man City told bid for ‘immense talent’ Nwaneri to be rejected
Nwaneri’s professional contract will kill off any imminent approaches from Chelsea or Man City.
The two Premier League giants will continue to monitor the 16-year-old’s situation in case his first-team involvement stagnates.
City had previously been “confident” of signing Nwaneri after making contact over a potential deal but that confidence has since dissipated.
His substitute cameo against West Ham was just his second senior appearance.
The Gunners made him the youngest-ever Premier League player last season when he turned out from the bench against Brentford at just 15 years and 181 days old.
Nwaneri has hit 11 goals in 10 games in age-group games so far in the 2023-24 campaign, despite primarily playing in attacking midfield.
17-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly has also risen through the ranks at Arsenal but is yet to make his first-team debut despite being involved with the senior squad this term.
In other news, Arsenal join Newcastle United in race for Premier League star.