Arsenal in final stages of Ethan Nwaneri talks over new contract

New York Times

15-07-2025

Arsenal are in the final stages of talks with Ethan Nwaneri over a new contract, which will end any prospect of the playmaker leaving and secure his services for the long-term future.
Nwaneri has entered the final 12 months of his existing deal, with major interest from suitors in the Premier League and abroad.
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But the England Under-21 international's priority was always to stay at the club he joined aged eight, which will come as a significant boost to Arsenal and their supporters.
Arsenal were not allowed to propose fresh terms until Nwaneri turned 18 in late March and since last season ended, he has been away representing his national team and on holiday.
Upon returning, discussions have ramped up and the academy graduate is ready to commit to his boyhood team.
Nwaneri enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in 2024-25 — contributing nine goals and two assists across 37 appearances for Mikel Arteta's men.
That represented a substantial amount of minutes for such a young talent and explains why there were no demands about game time during negotiations.
He was deployed mainly on the right side of Arsenal's attack and featured prominently when Bukayo Saka was out injured.
It is expected he will soon occupy a more central role, providing competition and back-up for captain Martin Odegaard.
Analysis by Art de Roche
Ethan Nwaneri's ambition has been clear for all to see during his rise from Arsenal's pre-academy to the first team.
Despite scoring an impressive nine goals last season, he was not shy in admitting he was aiming for 10 at a media session before helping England retain the Under-21s European Championship this summer.
Asked for his personal standout moment from his breakout season, Nwaneri said: 'The goal against Man City. I knew I'd do something if I got the ball. Then Declan (Rice) luckily saw me. You don't really think, you just do it. You think about it afterwards.'
That goal bookended a 5-1 win for Arsenal, but Nwaneri was not short of impressive moments last term. He became the youngest player to score in successive Champions League games with goals against Girona and PSV Eindhoven, and is now the third-youngest scorer in a Champions League knockout game behind Jude Bellingham and Bojan.
The midfielder also set himself apart with trademark finishes into the top left corner, which Arsenal fans will no doubt enjoy seeing more of in the coming seasons.
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