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Arsenal are closing in on securing the long-term future of Ethan Nwaneri, with the club preparing to offer the highly-rated teenager a new contract, according to BBC Sport’s senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel.
Talks with the 18-year-old attacking midfielder have reached an advanced stage, with optimism building that an agreement will soon be reached. The proposed deal is expected to be either a five-year contract or a four-year agreement with an option for an additional year, which would extend his stay beyond his current contract expiring at the end of the 2025/26 season.
Nwaneri enjoyed a breakout 2024/25 campaign, making 37 first-team appearances across all competitions, scoring nine goals and providing two assists. His rise was accelerated by injuries to key players like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, and he seized the opportunity to establish himself in Mikel Arteta’s senior setup.
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Despite interest from Chelsea and several Bundesliga clubs, Arsenal remain confident of keeping hold of their prized academy graduate. A product of the club’s Hale End academy, Nwaneri has a long-standing connection with Arsenal, and the club views him as a cornerstone of their long-term project. The new contract will include a significant pay rise, reflecting his growing stature in the squad and his status as one of Europe’s top young talents.
Ethan Nwaneri
Ethan Nwaneri (Image credit: Getty Images)
Negotiations are expected to accelerate in the coming days, with all parties pushing to finalise terms. Sporting director Andrea Berta has made Nwaneri’s renewal a top priority, alongside that of fellow academy product Myles Lewis-Skelly, as part of Arsenal’s strategy to build a homegrown core within the first team.
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According to sources close to the talks, cited by The Athletic, Nwaneri’s desire to remain at Arsenal, alongside the club’s clearly defined development plan under Arteta has been a driving force behind the positive progress in negotiations.
With the midfielder’s contract entering its final year, Arsenal are under pressure to conclude a deal quickly. Without an extension, Nwaneri would be free to negotiate with foreign clubs from January 2026, a situation the Gunners are determined to avoid given his vast potential.
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