Martin Keown fires warning to Chelsea over Ethan Nwaneri transfer

Martin Keown has told Chelsea that they will fail in their attempt to sign Ethan Nwaneri from Arsenal.

Nwaneri, who became the Premier League’s youngest-ever player at 15 years and 181 days old with his first senior start for Arsenal in 2022, made 37 appearances in all competitions for Arteta’s side last season.

The 18-year-old has been tipped to become another Arsenal academy graduate to make a significant long-term impact in the first team, however, he has just a year left on his contract and could leave on a free transfer next summer if a new deal is not agreed.

Chelsea have been already made an enquiry for Nwaneri during their negotiations over Arsenal’s deal to sign Noni Madueke.

Reports have also claimed that Nwaneri is considering his options due to concerns over his playing time in the upcoming campaign.

However, Keown is adamant that Nwaneri will get an opportunity to impress under Arteta and there is ‘no doubt’ that the midfielder will extend his contract with Arsenal.

‘I take you back to the [FA] Cup final that Arteta won… in that game who sat on the bench and didn’t come on? Saka. That looked painful. Martinelli… a lot of people were crying out for him to make a start, but he [Arteta] does it when he thinks it’s right,’ Keown told talkSPORT.

‘I think Nwaneri is on the same path. He is a wonderful talent. He’s being protected by Arteta.

‘It’s not to do with ability, he will get his chance. Okay, maybe it’s a bartering situation for the contract but I’ve met the family, the father, very calm, lovely family.

‘He’s an intelligent boy, he will eventually sign for Arsenal, there is no doubt about it.

‘I just think he wants to make sure he plays football, and that is healthy. He’s doing it for the right reasons, this young man. I believe he is going to be a superstar at Arsenal.’

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