- Mikel Arteta gave Ethan is first Premier League debut last season–
- Ethan Nwaneri could complete a transfer away from the Emirates shortly
Ethan Nwaneri, the Premier League’s youngest player is about to quit Arsenal for another Premier league team.
Ethan made history when he came on against Brentford in September, 15 years old and 181 days. The midfielder’s registration will end later this month and it is unclear whether he will sign a new deal.
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.
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.
