Chelsea warned transfer interest in Arsenal star doomed to fail - 'No doubt about it'

Martin Keown has laughed off the idea that Ethan Nwaneri could leave Arsenal and head to Chelsea this summer - insisting there's "no doubt" he'll remain in North London.

The Gunners sensation, the Premier League's youngest ever player, enjoyed his best year to date last season but remains in contract talks. He's entered the final 12 months of his deal, continues to see Arsenal move seek attacking signings, and rivals are seeing if they can swoop for the England Under-21 international.

Chelsea made an enquiry when the two clubs discussed a move for Noni Madueke but Keown is adamant that Mikel Arteta is tracking Nwaneri's progress and will give him the right opportunities at the right time.

The ex-Arsenal man cited how the Gunners boss was careful not to pile minutes and pressure on Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli as youngsters, instead allowing them to develop naturally, and maintains pen will eventually be put to paper regarding their teen star.

He told TalkSport: "I take you back to the [FA] Cup final that Arteta won, in that game who sat on the bench and didn’t come on? Saka. That looked painful. Martinelli, a lot of people were crying out for him to make a start, but he [Arteta] does it when he thinks it’s right.

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"I think Nwaneri is on the same path. He is a wonderful talent. He’s being protected by Arteta. It’s not to do with ability, he will get his chance.

"OK, maybe it’s a bartering situation for the contract but I’ve met the family, the father, very calm, lovely family.

"He’s an intelligent boy, he will eventually sign for Arsenal, there is no doubt about it. I just think he wants to make sure he plays football, and that is healthy. He’s doing it for the right reasons, this young man.

"I believe he is going to be a superstar at Arsenal."

In more recent years it has been Arsenal going after Chelsea players, often those who are no longer regulars at Stamford Bridge. Several years ago they signed Jorginho with the Brazilian midfielder only moving on this summer.

Raheem Sterling joined on loan 12 months ago, but his switch across the capital never worked out and he faces an uncertain future. Meanwhile this summer Arteta has bought in Kepa Arrizabalaga, whose time with the Blues was up, to act as David Raya's deputy.

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