Arsenal are closing in on a new five-year contract for Ethan Nwaneri, according to a report, with the teenager now eligible for a fresh deal.
EINDHOVEN, NETHERLANDS - MARCH 04: Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 first leg match between PSV and Arsenal FC at on March 04, 2025 in Eindhoven, Netherlands. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Isaan Khan reports for the Daily Mail that Arsenal are closing in on a new long-term contract for Ethan Nwaneri, with the proposed contract up to five years in length.
Nwaneri has had interest from the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City in the past, and there probably aren’t many clubs worldwide who wouldn’t mind adding him to their ranks on current form.
But given he already has an important role at Arsenal, Nwaneri has every motivation to extend his contract and reap the rewards of his recent progress.
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND: Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest FC and Arsenal FC at City Ground on February 26, 2025. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images
Nwaneri signed his first professional deal with Arsenal last year, very shortly after becoming eligible for one at the age of 17.
That was no surprise, as David Ornstein broke the news in the summer of 2023 that Nwaneri had agreed to a professional deal with Arsenal when signing his scholarship contract with the club. He couldn’t sign pro terms at the time, but he did so as soon as he could.
First professional deals have a limit of three seasons, including the season in which they’re signed. As a result, Nwaneri’s current contract only lasts until 2026. It’s only possible to extend that first deal once the player turns 18.
That happened this week, with Nwaneri celebrating his birthday on Friday. As a result, he’s now free to sign a new deal with Arsenal for as long as he wants.
LEICESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 15: Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Leicester City FC and Arsenal FC at The King Power Stadium on February 15, 2025 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
If the reports are correct, it sounds like contract talks aren’t going to be much of an issue, and Nwaneri will be putting pen to paper before long.
The teenager has eight goals in 29 games for Arsenal this season, filling in well during Bukayo Saka’s recent injury absence.
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