Ethan Nwaneri will take his time and consider all options before he makes a decision on his long-term future.
The Arsenal midfielder enjoyed an impressive breakthrough campaign last season and established himself as a key member of Mikel Arteta’s first team squad.
Nwaneri scored nine goals in 37 appearances in all competitions, but the numbers do not come close to justifying his impact, especially given he was asked to play the majority of his football in an unfamiliar role on the right wing, in the injury enforced absence of Bukayo Saka.
Once the club’s talisman returned to full fitness, however, Nwaneri found himself back on the bench and given fewer opportunities to impress.
‘There are moments and players are used more and less and he’s played a lot, he’s played probably more than anybody expected for sure,’ said Arteta back in May, explaining his decision to ease the burden on Nwaneri.
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‘In the last few games it’s because of the games and the context we decided not to play him that much, it can change very quickly.’
Ordinarily, that lack of football would not represent a concern but with just one year left on his current contract, Nwaneri is seeking assurances with regards playing time before he commits his future to his boyhood club.
The teenager signed a scholarship deal two years ago when his future was in doubt amid interest from Manchester City and Chelsea and penned his first professional contract in March 2024.
With Arsenal linked with the likes of Rodrygo, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze, Nwaneri is considering his options, especially with an even younger talent, Max Dowman, set to be promoted and given an opportunity to impress in pre-season.
According to The Telegraph, Nwaneri’s preference is to remain at Arsenal and progress has been made in talks over an extension in recent weeks.
Chelsea, however, have made an enquiry during the talks that took place during negotiations over the transfer of Noni Madueke.
Arsenal are already understood to have agreed personal terms with the England winger, but the two clubs are said to be a distance apart on a potential fee witch Chelsea valuing the 23-year-old at £50million.
The north London club have, meanwhile, finally announced the arrival of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.
The Spain international, 26, moves to the Emirates Stadium on a long-term deal after the Gunners reportedly triggered his £51million release clause.
Euro 2024 winner Zubimendi had previously been a target for Liverpool and was also linked with Real Madrid.
Zubimendi told the club website: ‘This is a huge moment in my career. It’s the move I was looking for and one I wanted to make. As soon as you set foot here, you realise how big this club and this team are.
I set my sights on Arsenal because their style of play is a good fit for me. They have shown their potential recently and the best is yet to come.”
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is confident Zubimendi can help reinforce his midfield options, having seen Thomas Partey’s contract expire and Jorginho also leave the club.
‘Martin is a player who will bring a huge amount of quality and football intelligence to our team. He will fit in really well and he has all the attributes to be a key player for us,’ Arteta said.
‘The standard he has consistently performed at over the last few seasons for both club and country is exactly why we are so excited to have him with us. We all welcome Martin and his family to the club.’