An insider has exclusively told Africafoot discussions with the Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri are entering a new phase, with the Super Eagles hopeful the England youth international will choose to represent Nigeria.
Nwaneri could be edging closer to a decision on his international future, with Nigeria hopeful of convincing the Arsenal youngster to switch allegiance from England.
A source within Nigerian football has told Africafoot that discussions involving the 19-year-old attacking midfielder and Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle have been productive, although the final decision remains with the player.
“It’s an ongoing conversation, it started a while back… he might sway towards representing Nigeria again, he might. But the conversation is just moving to the next stage, so let’s see how things go,” the source told Africafoot.
The comments suggest Nigeria’s pursuit of the highly-rated forward is continuing, with the country’s football authorities hopeful that Nwaneri will eventually commit his international future to the Super Eagles.
The player, who was born in England to Nigerian parents, has represented England at several youth levels but remains eligible to play for Nigeria, subject to the relevant FIFA eligibility and change-of-association rules.
Neither Nwaneri nor the Nigeria Football Federation has publicly confirmed a decision to switch.
Chelle’s discussions offer Nigeria renewed hope
Nigeria have previously expressed interest in securing Nwaneri’s services, with Chelle understood to have held positive discussions with the player.
The Africafoot source described the conversations as encouraging, adding that the process was now moving forward.
The decision, however, rests with Nwaneri, who has spent much of his international career representing England and has previously indicated a desire to progress through the Three Lions’ system.
Nigeria are hopeful that the midfielder will make a decision soon, but there is no confirmed timeline for an announcement.
The Super Eagles’ interest comes as the player continues to seek regular opportunities at club level and establish himself among Europe’s emerging attacking talents.
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England opportunity has not yet translated into senior breakthrough
Nwaneri has been part of England’s youth system for several years, progressing through the Under-16, Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 teams.
His performances at youth level have included impressive goalscoring returns, particularly with the Under-17s, where he scored 15 goals in 27 appearances.
He also represented England at the Under-19 level, scoring six goals in nine appearances, before moving into the Under-21 set-up.
Nwaneri was part of the England Under-21 squad that won the 2025 European Championship in Slovakia, appearing throughout the tournament as the Young Lions claimed the title.
His progress earned him an invitation to join Thomas Tuchel’s senior England squad for the 2026 World Cup preparation camp in Florida.
Although he was not included in England’s final World Cup squad, the invitation represented a significant step in his international development and showed that he remained on the senior team’s radar.
England’s attacking options remain strong, with competition from established players and emerging talents making the pathway to regular senior appearances challenging.
That situation could be a factor in Nwaneri’s consideration of his international future, although the player has not publicly stated that it is the reason behind any potential switch.
Who is Ethan Nwaneri?
Born in Islington, London, on 21 March 2007, Nwaneri is an attacking midfielder who can also operate on either wing.
He joined Arsenal’s academy in 2015 and progressed through the club’s youth ranks before making history in September 2022.
At 15 years and 181 days, he became the youngest player to appear in the Premier League when he came on as a substitute in Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Brentford.
His technical ability, close control and confidence in attacking areas quickly marked him out as one of the club’s most promising academy graduates. Nwaneri signed his first professional contract with Arsenal in 2023 and continued his development with the first team.
During the 2024-25 campaign, he made 37 appearances across competitions, scoring nine goals and demonstrating his ability to contribute in senior football.
He subsequently signed a new long-term contract with the club in August 2025.
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Club career
Nwaneri’s development has included opportunities in several competitive environments.
Arsenal
After joining Arsenal’s academy in 2015, Nwaneri progressed through the club’s youth teams and became one of the most highly-rated prospects at Hale End.
His senior debut at Brentford in 2022 made him the youngest player in Premier League history at the time.
He continued to feature in domestic and European competitions, with his 2024-25 campaign representing a breakthrough. Arsenal’s long-term contract extension reflected the club’s confidence in his potential.
Marseille
In January 2026, Nwaneri joined French club Marseille on loan for the second half of the season.
The move was intended to provide him with more regular senior football and experience in a different tactical environment.
He made nine league appearances for Marseille, scoring twice, while also featuring in domestic cup competition.
Borussia Dortmund
Nwaneri moved to Borussia Dortmund on loan in September 2026, seeking another opportunity to develop in a major European league.
The Bundesliga club offered a new environment in which to continue his progression, with the midfielder hoping to earn consistent playing time and return to Arsenal with greater experience.
His club situation remains an important part of his development, as he looks to establish himself at senior level while weighing his international options.
Nigeria’s opportunity
For Nigeria, Nwaneri would represent a significant addition to the Super Eagles’ attacking options.
His ability to operate as a number 10 or wide forward would provide Chelle with tactical flexibility, while his experience in English and European football would add depth to the squad.
The player is eligible through his Nigerian heritage, but any switch would need to comply with FIFA regulations governing international eligibility and changes of association.
Having represented England at youth level and been invited to a senior training camp, his case would require careful assessment under those rules.
For now, Nigeria’s hopes rest on the player’s willingness to make the switch. The latest comments from the Africafoot source indicate that the conversation is continuing, with both sides understood to have responded positively to discussions.
But until Nwaneri makes a final decision and the necessary formal steps are completed, his international future remains open. Nigeria are hopeful. The talks are progressing. The decision, however, belongs to Ethan Nwaneri.
