Arsenal star Ethan Nwaneri will be under pressure to deliver at the Emirates Stadium this season after the Gunners opted not to pursue a transfer for Eberechi Eze. The 18-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough season in north London last time around and penned a new contract in the summer.
Arsenal had been strongly linked with Eze ahead of the new campaign and were said to be considering a swap deal to get him to the club last month. Gunners transfer chief Andrea Berta reportedly held talks with the winger’s representatives, with Eze believed to be keen on a move to the Emirates. But they never followed up to get a deal over the line, and Tottenham are now close to signing him instead.
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According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal ultimately chose not to pursue Eze as they were quite happy with their situation.
And Nwaneri’s contract extension was an important factor in determining the Gunners’ sentiments around Eze, with the Arsenal man previously linked with a move to Chelsea.
Nwaneri featured 37 times for the Gunners in all competitions last season and contributed nine goals and two assists. He was named in the starting line-up in 11 Premier League matches and also found the back of the net during his two Champions League starts.
The teenager went on to star for England at the European Under-21 Championship in the summer as his country won the title, so he clearly has a big future at the top of the game.
If Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta avoided signing Eze because of Nwaneri, then the youngster is clearly held in high regard in the capital.
But he will need to produce the goods when given the opportunity to shine as Arsenal would have welcomed a proven Premier League gem if Eze had joined the club.
Nwaneri is unlikely to be given a starting spot immediately this season, with Arteta having a plethora of talented attackers to choose from. But the young player should get plenty of game time throughout the campaign and is more than capable of playing a big role in any success his team enjoy.
“Signing this contract means everything to me,” Nwaneri told the Arsenal website after putting pen-to-paper on his new long-term contract.
“I see this as my first real season in men’s senior football, as part of the squad in the changing room.
“I'm so excited for what I can bring to the team, I want to help us win as much as possible and bring happiness and glory to the club. This is where I feel at home.”