Report: Liverpool tracking Arsenal talent amid ongoing contract uncertainty | OneFootball

Report: Liverpool Circling as Ethan Nwaneri Contract Talks Stall at Arsenal

Ethan Nwaneri’s development at Arsenal has been one of the more impressive youth breakthroughs of the past season. Making 37 appearances despite starting the campaign at just 17, the midfielder showed he is capable of performing at senior level. His nine goals offered not only flair but end product, something many young attacking midfielders struggle to produce early in their careers.

However, as reported by TeamTalk, Nwaneri’s contract situation remains unresolved, with his current deal set to expire in 2026. Negotiations have reportedly hit a snag, and that has alerted some of Europe’s elite clubs. Among them are Premier League rivals Liverpool, who, according to journalist Graeme Bailey, are closely monitoring the situation.

“I think they’re going to lose him,” Bailey claimed. “Yeah, it’s looking very, very bad for them in that area – and it’s nothing to do with the finances or anything.”

Bailey further stated, “Nwaneri will be one of the most wanted players. If he gets to next summer and he hasn’t signed his contract, he’ll literally have his pick of clubs from around the world. He’s loved around Europe. He’s loved in England, you know. He will have Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City. He will have them all on his doorstep.”

The idea of losing one of Hale End’s most promising talents, especially with Arsenal’s focus on youth under Mikel Arteta, will come as a significant concern to supporters. The club have been proactive in extending key academy contracts, including Myles Lewis-Skelly’s recent agreement. But Nwaneri’s case appears more complex.

Guarantees Over Game-Time Central to Talks

Fabrizio Romano offered an alternative perspective to Bailey’s on YouTube, revealing that Arsenal are still confident of reaching an agreement.

“Arsenal in active talks with the agents of Ethan Nwaneri,” Romano said. “The player is really still keen on staying at Arsenal.”

That sense of optimism, however, is tempered by some clear sticking points. The most significant appears to be related to assurances over playing time.

“There is some discussion to do on game-time,” Romano continued. “Because obviously Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke… Arsenal are working on several profiles and on the player’s camp they want to understand what Arsenal’s plan is for [Nwaneri] before putting pen to paper.”

Such a demand is not out of the ordinary for a player of Nwaneri’s calibre. At 17, he has already proven he can contribute regularly in senior football. While Arteta has been willing to give young players opportunities, the ongoing pursuit of attacking reinforcements could leave the teenager questioning his place in the pecking order.

Romano concluded, “Nwaneri is going to be one of the stories to follow in terms of new deal negotiations for Arsenal in the next days because there are still some points to clarify with the player’s camp and family.”

Liverpool’s Youth-Focused Project an Attractive Prospect

Liverpool’s interest in Nwaneri is not surprising. With Arne Slot now at the helm, the Merseyside club are actively modernising their recruitment philosophy. Investing in players like Nwaneri, who can contribute immediately but also grow under a long-term project, fits their model.

Liverpool’s recent success in blending academy graduates with intelligent signings has enhanced their reputation among young talent. The Anfield hierarchy will see Nwaneri as someone who can add depth and flair to an evolving midfield, particularly with long-term planning in mind.

Slot’s pressing system and preference for technically versatile players could make Liverpool a very appealing option should Nwaneri decide his future lies away from North London.

Should Arsenal fail to secure Nwaneri’s signature, the fallout would not just be about losing one talented player. It could represent a wider concern about how the club retains and develops its brightest academy prospects. The loss of such a player to a direct rival like Liverpool would sting further.

Given the growing trend of top young English players seeking guaranteed pathways into first teams, Arsenal must tread carefully. Balancing first-team ambitions with developmental patience is a delicate act, especially when agents and families are increasingly involved in guiding careers.

Nwaneri’s performances last season suggest he is not just a developmental project but someone who is ready now. Whether Arsenal can meet his expectations in terms of role, responsibility and progression will ultimately dictate whether he signs on or chooses a different path.

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From an Arsenal fan’s perspective, this situation feels uncomfortably familiar. The club has long been praised for its academy pipeline, yet too often, its brightest sparks either leave early or get marginalised by new signings. Ethan Nwaneri, for all his youth, showed the temperament and ability to handle top-level football last season. He should not be treated as a fringe player or a project.

The fact that he is asking for game-time guarantees should not be controversial. It should be expected. If Arsenal truly believe in Nwaneri, then they must show it with a clear plan that includes meaningful minutes in important matches, not just domestic cups or cameos when games are already won.

Losing him to Liverpool, a direct rival, would be more than just a footballing loss—it would be a symbolic one. It would reinforce the notion that Arsenal cannot retain their most exciting talents when Europe’s top clubs come calling.

Mikel Arteta must be proactive here. With the right development pathway and trust, Nwaneri could be a cornerstone of Arsenal’s future. The fanbase has already embraced him. Now it’s time for the club to do the same—properly and publicly.