Arsenal reportedly have until Friday to agree scholarship terms with starlet Ethan Nwaneri as they face a battle to keep the midfielder.

The 16-year-old became the Premier League’s youngest player in history in September when he came off the bench in the 3-0 away win at Brentford.

Nwaneri became the Premier League's youngest player when he came off the bench against Brentford in September

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Nwaneri became the Premier League’s youngest player when he came off the bench against Brentford in SeptemberCredit: Getty
The teenage midfielder could be departing north London this summer

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The teenage midfielder could be departing north London this summerCredit: getty

Mikel Arteta decided to throw the teenager, who was just 15 years and 181 days at the time, on for the final minute at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Speaking to talkSPORT after the match, the Gunners boss hailed the England youth international as ‘special’.

But Arsenal are now in danger of seeing Nwaneri depart the Emirates, as both Chelsea and Manchester City look to secure his services.

According to the Evening Standard, the youngster’s schoolboy registration runs out at the end of the week.

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Arsenal have until Friday to agree scholarship terms, or the player would be free to depart the north London side.

It has been said that City and Chelsea are ready to pounce, with the latter luring Omari Hutchinson away from London Colney last summer.

The news outlet claims that Arsenal have made an ‘attractive’ offer to Nwaneri, with Arteta and sporting director Edu proving key in the talks.

They have also stated that Arsenal have mapped out how Nwaneri, who can sign a professional deal when he is 17, can have a path to the first team.

Nwaneri's schoolboy registration at the Emirates runs out on Friday

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Nwaneri’s schoolboy registration at the Emirates runs out on FridayCredit: Getty

But should Nwaneri decide to swap clubs, Arsenal would then be due compensation after a tribunal hearing.

And because of his senior outing last season, Arteta’s side would receive a higher fee.

Nwaneri, who made nine Premier League 2 outings in the previous campaign, chipped in with four goals and three assists in ten U18 Premier League games.

Arsenal’s U18 boss Jack Wilshere has already revealed he is desperate for Nwaneri to commit his future to the club.

He said: “We all hope he stays because he’s an exceptional talent.

“As coaches, we don’t get involved and we don’t talk about that. I think we have to make it clear we don’t talk about that.

“That’s nothing. Our job is to develop Ethan to help him when he goes with the first-team.”


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