Ethan Nwaneri, the Premier League's youngest ever player, is considering quitting Arsenal for a Premier League rival.
Nwaneri made history when he came on as a substitute during Arsenal's 3-0 win at Brentford in September, aged 15 years and 181 days. The midfielder's schoolboy registration ends later this month and it remains unclear whether he will sign a new contract.
If Nwaneri decides to leave the Emirates, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United are all waiting to sign him. Mikel Arteta is keen for the talent to commit his future to Arsenal after singing his praises following his record-breaking appearance.
Although Nwaneri hasn't featured for Arteta's side since the Brentford win, he has picked up 17 caps for England's U17 team and featured twice in the EFL Trophy for Arsenal's U23s. He also started Arsenal's 5-1 defeat to West Ham in April's FA Youth Cup final.
According to The Athletic, Chelsea, City and United are all closely monitoring Nwaneri's situation. Arsenal are still reeling from losing Omari Hutchinson to Chelsea a year ago, as the winger went on to make his Premier League debut in January.
Nwaneri is the youngest player ever to feature in the top flight of English football, not just the Premier League. The previous record holder was Sunderland goalkeeper Derek Foster, who was 15 years and 185 days old when he played against Leicester in August 1964.
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Arteta stunned English football when he gave Nwaneri the nod against Brentford. The Arsenal boss explained: "We have the opportunities to bring young players on. We are pretty short and opportunities come when issues arise. It was a pure gut feeling.
"I met the boy, I really liked what I saw. He trained with us a couple of times. I had that feeling yesterday that if the opportunity could come, I would do it. He deserves it. He has been doing great. He is such a big talent we want to keep with us."
Arsenal fans chanted "he's going to school in the morning" when Nwaneri came on, but they may not be as enthusiastic towards the youngster if he joins one of their rivals. The Gunners need all the help they can get if they are to challenge for silverware.
Arsenal finished second in the Premier League this season just gone after being caught by champions Manchester City in the title race. The Gunners are desperate to end a 20-year wait for English football's biggest prize in May 2024, but that will be difficult.
Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea are expected to bounce back next season after failing to qualify for the Champions League, while Manchester United and Newcastle will be hoping to build on finishing third and fourth respectively.
Arsenal haven't won silverware since lifting the FA Cup and Community Shield in 2020. They will compete in the Champions League next season for the first time in seven years.
