English star has rejected a move to Manchester City because of Arsenal. It was Declan Rice last summer, it’s him now!
Upon reaching his seventeenth birthday on March 21st, the 16-year-old prospect is set to sign a professional deal with a London-based club, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.
In the next fortnight, Nwaneri’s current scholarship agreement, which had sparked intense competition among various Premier League outfits, is poised to transition into a fully-fledged professional contract. Reports suggest Chelsea expressed interest, and Manchester City tabled a “substantial” offer in their pursuit of the talented attacking midfielder.
The 2007-born player stands on the verge of signing an unprecedented contract with Arsenal, becoming the recipient of the highest wage ever awarded to an academy player in the club’s storied history.
Under the guidance of manager Mikel Arteta and the club’s leadership, Nwaneri has earned widespread acclaim for his remarkable development since joining the academy ranks in 2016. His meteoric rise was highlighted last season when, at 15 years and 181 days old, he became the youngest-ever Premier League player, making his debut for Arsenal in a 3-0 triumph over Brentford.
Throughout the current campaign, the English-Nigerian prodigy has been a fixture in the senior matchday squad, making six appearances across various competitions. His impact was felt in Arsenal’s 6-0 victory over West Ham United, where he showcased his talent as a second-half substitute.
Across 13 appearances in both the under-19 and under-21 teams, Nwaneri has demonstrated his versatility and prowess, contributing three assists and an impressive tally of 13 goals.
The prospect of him extending his tenure with the Gunners will undoubtedly please the club’s faithful supporters, fervently advocating for his continued involvement in the first team. As anticipation builds surrounding Nwaneri’s imminent professional contract, Arsenal’s fans remain hopeful that manager Arteta will afford the youngster ample opportunities to showcase his prodigious talent and further solidify his place in the club’s illustrious history.