‘They were close’: Fabrizio Romano now shares how Arsenal nearly lost ‘fantastic’ player in the summer

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Arsenal were focused on future-proofing the squad in the summer transfer window, with both signings and contract extensions focusing on keeping the best players around long-term.

The likes of Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and William Saliba all extended their deals in the summer, but there were further contracts handed out which delighted Arsenal fans.

The future looks bright at the club with a young first-team squad competing at the top of the table under Mikel Arteta, and with some exceptional talents breaking through in the academy, Arsenal look secure for the foreseeable future.

Arteta made midfielder Ethan Nwaneri the youngest-ever Premier League player last season by giving him a debut against Brentford, and he signed a scholarship deal over the summer in what was a major boost for the club, as they were very close to losing him.

Arsenal nearly lost Nwaneri

In his Daily Briefing, Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that Arsenal were very close to losing the teenage sensation, with three other top clubs ready to sign him.

“Ethan Nwaneri is continuing to perform at a fantastic level in Arsenal’s academy, having become the Premier League’s youngest player of all time last season, and having been involved in an intriguing transfer saga over the summer,” he stated.

“It was not easy for Arsenal, because three top clubs were trying to tempt Nwaneri to leave the club with important contract proposals. They were close to losing Nwaneri almost for free, with just compensation for the teenager, but in the end they were able to extend his contract and to prepare a contract for the future.

“This means Nwaneri’s first professional contract as an Arsenal player is already on the table.”

Nwaneri’s potential

The teenager is viewed as one of the club’s top prospects and he has the potential to reach the very top.

The 16-year-old has scored four goals in four Premier League 2 games for the under-21 side this season, and his physical and technical attributes all stand out amongst his peers.

Losing Nwaneri to a rival club would have been a devastating blow in the summer window, and it will not be long before we see him get another chance in the first team, given his vast potential to succeed at the club.

Arsenal have had some incredible youngsters break through over the years, but it is clear that the club view the Nwaneri as one who could possibly be the best of the lot.