Jack Wilshere is hoping Arsenal record-breaker Ethan Nwaneri will stay at the club amid reports linking him with a move to rivals .
Nwaneri, 16, and , although the Gunners are keen to keep hold of the teenage midfielder.
He in September, coming on as a substitute in Arsenal’s win over Brentford aged 15 years and 181 days old.
Despite not appearing for the first team since, Nwaneri has impressed in the U18 Premier League, registering three assists and two goals across nine appearances.
In the FA Youth Cup, Nwaneri has scored twice in three games while for England U17s he has seven goals across 12 caps.
His impressive form has caught the eye of Chelsea and City, who are looking to tempt him in a move away from north London.
Young players cannot sign professional contracts until they are 17 years old, but can agree scholarship terms at Nwaneri’s current age of 16.
The Gunners are hopeful they can agree a deal with the teenager – who only recently turned 16 – but Chelsea and City are ready to pounce if they cannot.
and are keen to bring more youngsters in as they plan for the future.
Former Arsenal midfielder Wilshere, now the Gunners’ U18s boss, is hoping his player Nwaneri will snub interest from the Blues – as well as City – and stay at the Emirates.
‘We all hope he stays because he’s an exceptional talent,’ Wilshere said.
‘As coaches, we don’t get involved and we don’t talk about that. I think we have to make it clear we don’t talk about that.
‘That’s nothing. Our job is to develop Ethan to help him when he goes with the first-team.’
