Arsenal have tied Ethan Nwaneri down to a five-year contract, football.london understands. The Gunners youngster has been in talks throughout the summer looking to find an agreement on his future.
Despite interest from clubs both in England and abroad, the 18-year-old’s priority was always to find a resolution with the Gunners. He joins former youth teammate Myles Lewis-Skelly in signing a new contract this summer.
Nwaneri has made 39 senior appearances for the Gunners, with the bulk coming in his breakthrough season last year, despite having made his debut at just 15 years of age, where he became the youngest ever Premier League player. It was shows of commitment like this by Mikel Arteta that convinced Nwaneri to sign his initial professional contract before this first senior deal this summer.
There is a plan for the midfielder to play more centrally as opposed to the wide position which the England under-21s player occupied while Bukayo Saka was injured. This role has been signalled for Noni Madueke who is expected to be confirmed as a new Arsenal player from Chelsea.
Nwaneri has been given an extended break following his involvement at the under-21 European Championship where he won the tournament alongside many other young stars from England. He will later join the squad for the club’s Asian pre-season tour where his preparations for the new season will begin.
The work behind the scenes of the club to sign up their best players to long term futures continues with Nwaneri. Focus now turns to Saka, William Saliba and potentially Leandro Trossard who football.london is told remains in talks with his future still yet to be resolved.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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