ARSENAL have launched a last-gasp bid to keep hold of Ethan Nwaneri with his contract deadline just three days away.
The contract offer comes as two of their Premier League rivals prepare to pounce for the teenager.
Nwaneri is seen as one of England's most promising young talents after coming through Arsenal's famed Hale End academy.
He became the Premier League's youngest ever player in September, coming on against Brentford aged 15 years, five months and 28 days.
However, Arsenal are still yet to agree scholarship terms with the 16-year-old, who cannot sign a professional contract until he turns 17.
The midfielder's schoolboy registration runs out on Friday, at which point he will be free to join another club.
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According to the Evening Standard, both Chelsea and Manchester City are fighting to sign him in that event.
The report adds, though, that Arsenal have tabled an "attractive" offer in a bid to keep hold of the England under-17 international.
Academy boss Per Mertesacker, manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu have all been involved with talks, which have included mapping out a route into the first-team.
Nwaneri has not appeared for the senior side since his debut, but was a part of the Gunners' mid-season training camp in Dubai.
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Arsenal would be due compensation after a tribunal if the youngster joins another team, with the amount likely to be higher as he has played for the first-team before.
Manchester United were also linked with making an approach for Nwaneri back in May, along with Chelsea and City.
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Fortunately, Arsenal have been able to tie down Nwaneri's team-mate Myles Lewis-Skelly.
The defensive midfielder signed scholarship terms back in April.
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