Arsenal
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Arsenal are set to secure the long-term future of teenage sensation Ethan Nwaneri, with the 17-year-old midfielder poised to sign his first extended contract with the club. The deal, expected to be finalised once he turns 18 in March, is seen as a reward for his impressive performances during the ongoing season.
Nwaneri, a product of the Arsenal academy, has made headlines with his rapid rise. Already the youngest player in Premier League history to make his debut back in 2022 aged 15 years and 5 months old, he added another milestone by becoming one of league’s youngest scorers with a clinical goal in Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest last weekend.At just 17 years and 247 days old, Nwaneri showcased his immense talent with a driving midfield run and composed first-time finish.
According to TBR Football, the Gunners had been planning to offer the wonderkid a long-term deal for months. Manager Mikel Arteta has made it clear that Nwaneri, along with fellow academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly, is firmly part of the first-team setup.Despite interest from top clubs like Chelsea and Manchester City, Nwaneri remains committed to Arsenal, his boyhood club, where his family’s loyalties also lie.
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FA regulations prevent players under 18 from signing contracts beyond a certain length. However, Arsenal have wasted no time initiating discussions, ensuring the talented youngster remains at the Emirates for years to come.
Ethan Nwaneri contract
Ethan Nwaneri will sign a long-term contract when he turns 18 in March (Image credit: Getty Images)
Nwaneri has already scored four goals in just 250 minutes of playing time this season, further solidifying his reputation as one of the brightest prospects in English football. Former Arsenal academy coach Dan Micciche praised his maturity and confidence, qualities that have marked him out as a future star.
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“It was a big moment for him but he didn’t run away and take his shirt off or anything like that,” Micciche tells Sky Sports. “He just went over to Raheem Sterling to thank him for the pass. He has a wonderful temperament. He never gets too high or too low and you can see that in him now.”
Arteta’s decision not to loan out Nwaneri underscores the club’s faith in his abilities and the plan for his development. The teenager’s performances have drawn plaudits, and his new contract will serve as both recognition of his contributions and a signal of Arsenal’s intent to nurture their homegrown talent.
The Gunners are now working to complete the deal by March, aligning with Nwaneri’s 18th birthday.
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