Chelsea join AC Milan, Juventus in race for Arsenal star on Chelle’s Super Eagles radar

Premier League giants Chelsea are among several European clubs showing interest in Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 19-year-old attacking midfielder spent the first half of the season at Arsenal, where he made six Premier League appearances from the bench before joining Marseille on loan in January.

Since moving to the French club, Nwaneri has 4 twice and added one assist in 11 matches across all competitions. His bright start in Ligue 1 has caught the attention of top European clubs, including AC Milan, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund.

As per TDB, Chelsea have now joined the race for the England youth international, who remains eligible to represent Nigeria through his father.

Arsenal are believed to value the Hale End Academy graduate at between £35 million and £40 million. Despite handing him a contract until 2030 and giving him the famous No. 10 shirt, the Gunners could still listen to offers this summer.

Nwaneri has already made 51 senior appearances for Arsenal, scoring 10 goals and providing two assists since becoming the club’s youngest-ever Premier League player in September 2022 at just 15 years and 181 days old.

Nwaneri: Chelle continues Nigeria push for Chelsea target

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is also keeping a close watch on the teenager as Nigeria continue efforts to convince him to commit his international future to the three-time African champions.

Chelle attended Marseille’s Coupe de France clash against Rennes on February 3, 2026, where he monitored Nwaneri during the match. Although the teen midfielder is said to be open to playing for Nigeria, reports suggest he is still leaning towards representing England at senior level after progressing through the Young Lions setup.

Nwaneri has featured for England from Under-16 to Under-21 level and played a key role in England’s triumph at the 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Slovakia. Despite being only 18 at the time, he appeared in all six matches, including the final against Germany.

His overall England youth record stands at more than 50 appearances and over 26 goals, a pointer to why several top clubs and national teams continue to monitor his development closely.