Jason Cundy wonders whether Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri could be tempted by a move to Borussia Dortmund in his search for regular minutes.
The Arsenal midfielder enjoyed an impressive breakthrough campaign last season and established himself as a key member of Mikel Arteta’s first team squad.
And while keen to remain with his boyhood club, Nwaneri is said to be seeking assurances over his game time before he signs a new long-term contract with the Gunners.
Arsenal have been linked with Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze in recent weeks, both of whom would likely provide competition and lessen the minutes available to Nwaneri.
With just 12 months remaining on his current deal, a host of top clubs are monitoring Nwnaeri’s situation, with Chelsea reportedly considering a move if contract negotiations continue to stall.
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However, former Chelsea defender Cundy believes a move away from the Premier League could provide Nwaneri with the best playing opportunities and said following the same path as Jude Bellingham may appeal to the youngster.
‘How do you make demands to play ahead of (Bukayo) Saka?’ Cundy told talkSPORT when asked about Nwaneri’s demands for more regular minutes.
‘I don’t know how you can. He can also play in the No10 but how are you going to get ahead of (Martin) Odegaard? And now with (Viktor) Gyokeres, it looks like (Kai) Havertz might operate in those areas too.
‘Look, Nwaneri is the future of Arsenal – they do not want to lose him – but they can’t make assurances and tell him he’s going to make 25 Premier League starts next season.
‘What club is he going to go to to do that? If was an Arsenal fan, I would be worried about Dortmund or someone like that, where they can go ‘You come to us, this is the development you can get’.
‘That’s where I would be worried – not a move in England, but whether he looks at the Jadon Sancho or Jude Bellingham route and get first-team football and Champions League football and you’ll play in a top league.’
While contract negotiations will no doubt continue to rumble on behind the scenes, former Arsenal centre-back Martin Keown is confident that Nwaneri will ultimately remain with his boyhood club and tipped the teenager for a bright future under Arteta.
‘Mikel Arteta has a history of protecting players until the time is right,’ Keown explained.
‘It’s not to do with ability and he’ll get his chance. Maybe it’s a bartering situation for the contract, but I’ve met the family and they’re very calm.
‘He’s an intelligent boy and he’ll eventually sign for Arsenal there is no doubt about it. I just think he wants to make sure he plays football and that’s healthy.
‘He’s doing it for the right seasons and I believe he’s going to be a superstar at Arsenal.’
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