Chelsea eye Arsenal teenager of Nigerian descent as part of its ambitious Vision 2030 plan

ENGLISH Premier league giants Chelsea have signified an interest in signing talented Arsenal midfielder  of Nigerian descent Ethan Nwaneri as part of an ambitious programme known as Vision 2030.

Nwaneri became the youngest player ever to play in the English Premier League at 15 years and 181 days on September 18 when he came on in injury time for Arsenal against Brentford. He shattered the previous record held by Harvey Elliot of Liverpool who appeared for Fulham at the age of 16 years and 30 days.

His appearance suddenly sparked a lot of speculation about his international future and England  quickly played him for the Young Lions in their 2023 UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualifier against Lithuania. Sporting jersey number 20, Nwaneri came on as a substitute in the 79th minute, in a clear sign that England are interested in his services long term.

According to online portal TribalFootball, football agents are now scrambling to sign Nwaneri and he is also in the sights of the Nigerian Football Federation. However, having featured in a competitive game for the England youth team, he will now need to go through a switch with Fifa if he decides to play for Nigeria art senior international level.

Now, Chelsea, have set their sights on the youngster and Nwaneri is among the exciting players on the club's Vision 2030 list. Chelsea owner Todd Boehly, together with the club board, is building a team of talents for the future, bringing in exciting young players Carney Chukwuemeka, Hutchinson, Cesare Casadei, Gabriel Slonina, Tyler Dibling and Zak Sturge in the summer transfer window.

England U20 international of Nigerian descent Chukwuemeka, was acquired from Aston Villa as a potential replacement for Jorginho. Also, the Blues are on the verge of completing the signing of another promising player of African descent in David Datro Fofana, 19, from Molde as part of the project.

Nwaneri was recently given minutes off the bench in the friendlies against Lyon, AC Milan and Juventus , an indication of how highly he is rated at the Emirates. He will now sign a scholarship deal with Arsenal with effect from July 1, 2023 should Chelsea and other interested clubs fail in their attempt to prise him away from the Gunners.