We’ve known for a few weeks that Ethan Nwaneri had committed his future to Arsenal, but now it’s official. The club has confirmed the talented teenager has signed a contract extension – another box ticked on Andrea Berta’s summer to-do list.
There were signs things were heading in the right direction as far back as May, when Nwaneri was handed the number 22 shirt. Even so, Arsenal will be pleased to have fended off renewed interest from other clubs, much like they had to when he turned 16.
A product of Hale End, Nwaneri enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2024/25, scoring nine goals in 37 appearances, predominantly while Bukayo Saka was sidelined by surgery. His next challenge? Carving out a position of his own.
In pre-season, Mikel Arteta has experimented with the youngster as an alternative to Martin Odegaard in central midfield. But Nwaneri, ever versatile, is keeping an open mind.
“I think midfield,” he told Arsenal.com, when asked where he sees his long-term future.
“But I’m a very versatile player, so I think I’m going to play anywhere across the front five, and I’m ready to do what the manager needs.”
He’s clearly grown in confidence and is starting to add more end product to his game.
“I’ve become more direct over the last few years, I’ve added more goals. I’m excited about what comes next and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens.”
“I’ve had to adapt to the demands of the Premier League, so I think I’ve changed physically, but also mentally as well in terms of dealing with setbacks and injuries. I think I’ve definitely become stronger.”
It’s easy to forget that Nwaneri is still only 18. When he next steps onto the pitch in a competitive match, it’ll mark his third straight season featuring in the Premier League – a remarkable stat for a player who became Arsenal’s youngest-ever debutant at just 15 years and 181 days.
They say development isn’t always linear, but Nwaneri’s trajectory so far has been steadily upward.
Reflecting on his journey, he said: “Keep patient and have goals in your head.
“When you’re at Hale End, the next target is to get to Colney. And when you’re there, it’s to get in the under-21s.
“Then the first thing was just to keep patient, keep working hard every day at your craft, and have the long-term vision in the back of your head, but just be ready when it comes.”
Until turning 18 in March, Nwaneri wasn’t even allowed to change in the same dressing room as his senior teammates due to safeguarding rules. Now, he feels properly part of the first team squad, both on and off the pitch.
“To me, I see this as my first real season,” he said.
“I’m part of the squad, the changing room, I’m so excited for what I can bring for the team, how I can help the team.
“I just want to win as much as possible and bring happiness and glory to the club.”
With a new contract signed and a squad number secured, all eyes will be on what comes next. But if Nwaneri continues on the same path, Arsenal will have a star on their hands.