Chelsea have been told why they can still sign Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri in summer transfer window

Chelsea have been given hope from an unlikely source as to why they could sign Ethan Nwaneri despite the teenager wanting to remain at Arsenal.

The 18-year-old is highly thought of at the Emirates Stadium and made his breakthrough from the academy to the first-team last season. In 26 Premier League appearances, Nwaneri scored a modest four goals but many of his appearances came off the bench.

His potential was mainly showcased in the cup competitions with an impressive three goals in four Carabao Cup matches and two in seven Champions League matches. With just a year remaining on his deal at the Emirates Stadium, Nwaneri is attracting interest from clubs who are looking to bag a deal.

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Among those understood to be interested areChelsea who have made a habit of looking for young players who they can develop into first-team regulars. At the moment, the consensus is that Nwaneri will want to stay at the Emirates Stadium but one of his former academy teammates could have given the Blues hope of completing a deal.

Manchester United centre-back Ayden Heaven traded the capital for the north west in January and, speaking to The Athletic, the defender has explained why he decided to do just that. "I felt like it was easier for me to get in United’s first team and it’s working out so far," he said.

"I just want to continue it." Ultimately, beyond Bukayo Saka and Myles Lewis-Skelly, Arsenal have struggled in recent years to give their young stars a clear pathway to the first-team.

This summer's transfer window is proof of this with Arsenal seemingly reluctant to fully trust Nwaneri as they currently sit in negotiations with the Blues for Noni Madueke as well as Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze. Like United, Chelsea have become a team who are known for giving younger players an opportunity.

Liam Delap is believed to have chosen Chelsea for this reason. While Nwaneri may want to succeed with the Gunners, there could come a time this season where he decides that his future is better away from north London and Chelsea could be a better route for him to regular Premier League football.