Arsenal - Andrea Berta
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Arsenal have taken another decisive step in securing the club’s long-term future by tying down rising star Ethan Nwaneri to a new five-year contract, according toThe Telegraph’s Sam Dean. The deal, which will keep the 18-year-old attacking midfielder at the Emirates until 2030, represents a major statement of intent by the Gunners as they continue to invest in their elite youth talent.
Nwaneri, a product of Arsenal’s esteemed Hale End academy, shot to prominence in September 2022 when he became the youngest-ever Premier League debutant at just 15 years and 181 days. His progress since then has been remarkable, culminating in a breakout 2024/25 campaign where he featured in 37 matches across all competitions and earned a nomination for the PFA Young Player of the Year award. Much of his game time came as injury cover for Bukayo Saka, during which he impressed with his maturity, technical skill, and creativity.
The announcement follows closely on the heels of fellow academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly also signing a new long-term contract earlier this summer. Together, the pair are seen as cornerstones of manager Mikel Arteta’s future plans, with the club keen to build a squad that blends elite young talent with experienced internationals.
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Nwaneri’s extension ends months of speculation about his future, amid reported interest from Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester City, as well as Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund. Despite entering the final year of his previous contract, the England Under-21 international had always expressed a desire to stay with his boyhood club, where he has played since the age of eight.
Negotiations reportedly accelerated after his return from England Under-21 duty, resulting in a four-year deal with an option for a fifth year. The structure of the contract reflects Arsenal’s belief in his trajectory toward becoming a regular first-team contributor.
🚨BREAKING: Ethan Nwaneri has officially signed his new long-term contract at Arsenal.
He signs a five year deal.
[@SamJDean] pic.twitter.com/h4aBR28SDb
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) July 18, 2025
Arteta has long been an admirer of Nwaneri, recalling how first-team players encouraged him to introduce the teenager during a 6–0 victory over West Ham last season. “The players on the bench were whispering to bring Ethan on, which is a great thing to hear,” Arteta said at the time.
Nwaneri’s contract renewal comes amid a busy summer of transfer activity for Arsenal. The Gunners have already completed the high-profile signings of Noni Madueke from Chelsea for £52 million, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard, and Martín Zubimendi. The club also remains in pursuit of Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze and Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera.
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While Madueke’s arrival has sparked some concerns about increased competition in the wide attacking roles, reports suggest Nwaneri did not seek assurances over playing time and is fully committed to earning his place in the squad.
Arsenal view Nwaneri as a long-term successor to captain Martin Odegaard in central attacking areas. His versatility to play as a No. 10 or on either wing, combined with his calmness in possession and eye for a final pass, has drawn frequent comparisons to Ødegaard, who himself debuted internationally at just 15.
With Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri now both committed to the club’s long-term vision, Arsenal are steadily building a core of homegrown talent to support their ambitions for Premier League and Champions League glory in the 2025/26 season and beyond.
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