Journalist claims Arsenal starlet Ethan Nwaneri could defect to Premier League rivals

Arsenal starlet Ethan Nwaneri could snub Arsenal before he's even signed a professional contract at the Emirates, according to reports.

Nwaneri became the youngest player in Premier League history at the age of just 15 when he came off the bench during Arsenal's 3-0 victory against Brentford last September.

Such is his talent, the Englishman has skipped age groups, playing for both the U-18s and U-21s this season.

Unfortunately for the Gunners, however, his talent hasn't gone unnoticed, with an array of clubs plotting a swoop before he signs a professional deal at the Emirates.

Meanwhile, journalist Charles Watts has dropped a worrying update on the midfielder, with Manchester City among the clubs eager to poach him.

Nwaneri's future up in the air

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Watts warned Gunners fans about the player's situation.

“Chelsea, Manchester City, there's lots of clubs who are chasing Ethan Nwaneri and he can't sign a professional deal until he is 17," said Watts.

"He's 16 now, he only turned 16 last month. He can sign scholarship terms. But there's clubs that are chasing him.

"And you know it's kind of an open secret really that he could leave Arsenal. We don't know, we're hoping hopefully he doesn't but he could.

"And there's lots of clubs are trying to get him and lure him away before he signs that first professional contract at 17."

Former Arsenal midfielder and current Under-18 coach Jack Wilshere has waxed lyrical about Nwaneri's talents.

READ MORE:

• Can you name these 10 well known football stadiums?
• Four Arsenal starlets who could be the future of the club

Speaking to football.london, he said: "Us as coaches, that's what we focus on with Ethan, trying to give him the best platform, trying to give him a clear head.

"He has been exceptional in the Youth Cup as well and to be fair, he's been exceptional with what he's been doing, how he's managed school, his GCSEs.

"He does well at school as well by the way, which It's important - I know that Per really believes in that - 'better people, better players'.

"So for him to manage that, then obviously it is a new world for him, people talking about him on social media, will he stay, will he go?

"To manage that as well and still perform in the Youth Cup. Whatever he does, I wish him all the best and he deserves it because of the sacrifices he's made."