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Chelsea have emerged as one of the clubs closely monitoring Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri ahead of the summer transfer window, Footynaija reports.
The teenager enjoyed an impressive spell in the early part of his loan stay in France, enough to attract attention across Europe.
The 19-year-old attacking midfielder joined Marseille in January after struggling for regular first-team football at Arsenal during the opening months of the campaign. Before leaving north London, Nwaneri made six substitute appearances in the Premier League for Mikel Arteta’s side.
His move to Ligue 1 has quickly revived interest in his long-term future. Nwaneri has scored four goals and provided one assist in 11 appearances for Marseille, producing several eye-catching displays that have strengthened his growing reputation as one of England’s brightest young talents.
According to reports from CaughtOffside, Chelsea are now firmly in the race for the Arsenal academy graduate, with AC Milan, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund also keeping tabs on his situation.
🚨 EXCLUSIVE 🚨
— CaughtOffside (@caughtoffside) May 9, 2026
Chelsea are one of the clubs on alert as Ethan Nwaneri could now be allowed to leave Arsenal ⚠
Full story from @MarkBrusCOS to follow… pic.twitter.com/jBsAyq9xhK
Arsenal are understood to value the midfielder at between £35m and £40m despite tying him down to a long-term contract until 2030. The Gunners handed Nwaneri the iconic No. 10 shirt as part of their plans for his development, but interest from Europe’s elite clubs has intensified following his strong performances in France.
Nwaneri has already made 51 senior appearances for Arsenal, scoring 10 goals and registering two assists since becoming the youngest player in Premier League history when he debuted at 15 years and 181 days against Brentford in September 2022.
Away from club football, the teenager also remains on the radar of Nigeria coach Eric Chelle, who is eager to persuade him to represent the Super Eagles at senior level. Chelle travelled to watch Marseille’s Coupe de France meeting with Rennes in February as Nigeria continued efforts to convince the England youth international to switch allegiance.
Nwaneri, however, is still believed to favour England after progressing through every major youth level and helping the Young Lions win the 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Slovakia.
