Chelsea join the race to sign Nigeria-eligible forward Ethan Nwaneri from Arsenal

ENGLISH Premier League giants Chelsea are lining up a bid for Super Eagles-eligible forward Ethan Nwaneri with a view to purchasing him from across-town rivals Arsenal during the forthcoming summer transfer window.

Nwaneri, 19, is a product of the Arsenal Hale End Academy, who has distinguished himself in youth football, earning a place in the England U17 team in the process. During the current campaign, he made six Premier League appearances off the bench in the first half of the season before moving on loan to Marseille during the January transfer window.

Since joining the French side, Nwaneri has registered two goals and one assist in 11 competitive matches. Consequently, he is attracting significant interest across Europe, with AC Milan, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund reportedly keeping tabs on the England youth international of Nigerian descent.

According to CaughtOffside's The Daily Briefing, however, Chelsea have also entered the race and would be keen to bring Nwaneri back to London. Arsenal are said to value Nwaneri in the region of £35m to £40m and could be open to a summer sale despite his contract running until 2030.

Overall, the youngster has recorded 10 goals and two assists in 51 senior appearances for the Gunners. Nwaneri is a key target for Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle, who is working to persuade the dual-national player to commit his international future to Nigeria.

Although the Hale End Academy graduate is open to representing Nigeria, he is currently understood to be leaning towards England at senior level. Chelle was in attendance for the Coupe de France clash between Marseille and Rennes on February 3, where he monitored Nwaneri closely.