The current transfer window is extremely crucial for Arsenal as manager Mikel Arteta knows that the upcoming 2025/26 campaign could be a defining one.
While signing new players to increase the quality and depth of the roster is crucial, Arsenal also have their job cut out in retaining their existing talent.
The Gunners have already extended the contracts of Gabriel Magalhaes and Myles Lewis-Skelly, as both players have signed long-term deals with the club.
So Arsenal turned their attention to Ethan Nwaneri, who is out of contract next summer. The 18-year-old is considered one of the best young prospects in England, and the Gunners are keen to tie him down with a new contract.
However, as per reports via The Athletic, Arsenal haven’t reached an agreement over a new contract with Nwaneri. The reports describe the situation as delicate, as clubs like Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City keep close tabs on the situation.
Nwaneri signed his first professional contract last year after turning 17, which will come to an end next summer.
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Arsenal always wanted to tie him down with a long-term contract, but according to FA Laws, players under the age of 18 are not allowed to sign contracts longer than three years.
They had a similar situation with Lewis-Skelly, due to which there were complications, but they finally reached an agreement. Arsenal are hoping that would be the case for Nwaneri as well.
Nwaneri’s participation in the U21 Euros complicated the situation even more. Following England’s win at the tournament in Slovakia, Nwaneri is enjoying his vacation before reporting for pre-season.
Arsenal are reportedly calm with the situation as they believe that the 18-year-old is well settled and sees a clear development route at the club.
A look at Ethan Nwaneri’s stats from the 2024/25 campaign
Nwaneri has been a trailblazer to come out of the Arsenal academy as he became the Premier League’s youngest debutant at 15. But he broke into the first team last season.
He featured in 37 games across competitions and scored nine goals. He was a crucial player for Arteta last season, as Bukayo Saka missed a large chunk of the campaign due to injury.
Nwaneri’s exceptional performances for Arsenal saw him earn the nomination for the PFA Young Player of the Year.
Given his experience in the Premier League and also in the Champions League last season, Arteta and the fans expect him to play a bigger role in the upcoming season.
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