Manchester City launch audacious bid to sign Arsenal starlet in ‘record-breaking’ deal

Arsenal have offered teenager Ethan Nwaneri a ‘record-breaking’ new contract after a shock transfer bid from Manchester City.

The two Premier League sides are currently battling for a second successive year at the top of the table, with Manchester City having beaten the Gunners to the league trophy last season and currently one point ahead of Mikel Arteta’s side in this season’s title race.

Arsenal travel to the Etihad Stadium later this month, with the Gunners having won 1-0 against Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium in October and having been victorious in the FA Community Shield in August.

The two clubs, who have completed transfer business in the past, have also reportedly been battling away from the football pitch, with City making a shock move for Arsenal teenager Ethan Nwaneri.

The 16-year-old, who became the youngest-ever Premier League player after featuring against Brentford last season, recently featured against West Ham United at the London Stadium last month.

The attacking midfielder has been involved in six senior matchday squad outings for Arteta’s side this season, and has also featured in the UEFA Youth League, FA Youth Cup and Premier League 2.

Nwaneri has been directly involved in eight goals in eight PL2 appearances, and despite being born in 2007, features predominantly for Arsenal’s Under-19 and Under-21 sides.

Football Insider claim that Manchester City officials tabled a ‘substantial offer’ for the teenager in an attempt to force the midfielder away from North London.

Attempts by Etihad officials have been rebuffed however, with the 16-year-old set to instead sign a ‘record-breaking’ deal with Arsenal, being handed the ‘highest-ever wages’ for a Gunners academy player.

As well as Manchester City, Chelsea reportedly also held a ‘strong interest’ in trying to sign Nwaneri from Arsenal.

Manchester City’s academy have made additions from a number of Premier League rivals in the past, and have also completed sales to a series of major English clubs.

James Trafford signed for Burnley in a £19 million deal last summer, meanwhile academy graduate Cole Palmer completed a £42 million move to Stamford Bridge.