Arsenal Football Club are increasingly optimistic about tying down their prodigious talent, Ethan Nwaneri, to a new long-term contract, despite interest from rival clubs and ongoing concerns about his playing time. The 18-year-old attacking midfielder, who made history as the Premier League’s youngest-ever debutant at 15 years and 181 days in 2022, has become a cornerstone of Arsenal’s plans under manager Mikel Arteta. With his current deal set to expire in June 2026, the Gunners are prioritizing negotiations to ensure the Hale End academy graduate remains at the Emirates Stadium for years to come. Here’s a detailed look at Nwaneri’s rise, the challenges in securing his future, and Arsenal’s vision for their young star.
Electric Ethan ⚡️
— PFA (@PFA) June 19, 2025
Arsenal starlet Ethan Nwaneri’s impressive performances for the Gunners see him voted into the PFA Young Player of the Year Top Six by the players 🙌#PFAawards pic.twitter.com/5pMuSqAYvj
Nwaneri’s Breakout Season and Rising Profile
Ethan Nwaneri’s 2024/25 season marked a significant breakthrough, with the teenager making 37 senior appearances across all competitions, scoring nine goals and providing two assists. His contributions included a brace in a 5-1 EFL Cup win over Bolton Wanderers, a stunning long-range strike against Preston North End, and a historic Champions League goal against Girona, making him one of the youngest scorers in the competition’s knockout stages. Nwaneri also netted in a 5-1 Premier League rout of Manchester City and was named Man of the Match in a 2-0 victory over Leicester City, where he provided an assist for Mikel Merino.
His performances earned him a nomination for the PFA Young Player of the Year award and a key role in England’s Under-21 European Championship triumph in 2025, where he scored against Portugal. Nwaneri’s versatility—capable of playing as a No. 10, winger, or No. 8—combined with his fearless dribbling and goal-scoring instinct, has made him one of Europe’s most coveted young talents.
Contract Talks and the Playing Time Concern
Nwaneri’s current contract, his first professional deal signed in March 2024 upon turning 17, runs until June 2026. FA regulations prevented Arsenal from offering a longer-term deal until he turned 18 in March 2025, delaying negotiations for a new five-year contract similar to that of his close friend and fellow academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly, who signed a long-term deal in 2025. While Arsenal initiated talks earlier this year, negotiations have been described as “delicate” due to Nwaneri’s representatives seeking guarantees over regular first-team minutes
The concern stems from Arsenal’s busy transfer window, with the club securing Martin Zubimendi (£60 million), Christian Norgaard (£12 million), and Kepa Arrizabalaga (£5 million), while pursuing Chelsea’s Noni Madueke and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres. Reports suggest interest in Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, a potential competitor for Nwaneri’s preferred central attacking midfield role. The arrival of Madueke, who plays on the right wing where Nwaneri has often deputized for Bukayo Saka, could further limit his opportunities, prompting hesitation from his camp
Despite these concerns, Arsenal remain confident of reaching an agreement. Sources close to the negotiations, cited by Hayters and The Athletic, indicate that Nwaneri’s preference is to stay at his boyhood club, where he has a deep emotional connection as a lifelong Arsenal fan from Islington. The club will point to Lewis-Skelly’s meteoric rise to a starting left-back role as evidence of their commitment to youth development, hoping to reassure Nwaneri of a clear pathway.
Interest from Rivals and the Risk of a Free Exit
Nwaneri’s delay in signing has attracted attention from several top clubs, heightening anxiety among Arsenal supporters. Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and RB Leipzig are reportedly monitoring the situation, with Chelsea particularly keen to capitalize on any breakdown in talks. The Blues’ interest is notable, given Arsenal’s pursuit of their winger Noni Madueke, though the Gunners have firmly rejected any prospect of including Nwaneri in a swap deal. From January 2026, Nwaneri will be free to negotiate with foreign clubs if no new deal is agreed, a scenario Arsenal are desperate to avoid, as his departure would represent a significant blow to their academy and Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) calculations.
Arteta’s Vision and Nwaneri’s Role
Mikel Arteta has been a vocal advocate for Nwaneri, praising his “fearless” approach and ability to “make it happen” under pressure. The manager’s emphasis on body language and mental sharpness has helped Nwaneri mature, with Arteta noting his impact in high-stakes matches like the 5-1 win over Manchester City. Arsenal see Nwaneri’s long-term future in central midfield, potentially as a No. 10 or No. 8, rather than on the right wing, where he filled in during Saka’s injury absences. This positional shift could alleviate concerns about competition from Madueke or Eze, positioning Nwaneri as a direct understudy to Martin Odegaard or a partner in a fluid midfield setup alongside Zubimendi and Norgaard.
Arteta’s trust in Nwaneri is evident in his 1,300+ minutes of first-team action last season, a rare feat for an 18-year-old. The emergence of 15-year-old prodigy Max Dowman, who operates in similar attacking areas, adds complexity, but Arsenal are committed to managing both players’ development without direct competition.
Implications for Arsenal’s Future
Securing Nwaneri’s future would be a major coup for Arsenal, reinforcing their reputation as a club that nurtures elite academy talent. His nine goals and two assists in 2024/25, coupled with his record-breaking debut and international accolades, position him as a potential cornerstone alongside Saka and Lewis-Skelly. A new contract, likely offering a significant pay rise from his current academy-level deal, would reflect his status as one of Europe’s top teenage prospects and protect Arsenal from losing a player who could command a high transfer fee or become a free agent in 2026
However, the influx of new signings poses a challenge. Arsenal’s pursuit of high-profile attackers like Gyokeres and Eze could signal ambition but risks alienating Nwaneri if his minutes are curtailed. The club must balance immediate squad demands with long-term development, a lesson learned from the departures of Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah after limited opportunities despite new contracts. A release clause or high wages could provide Nwaneri with security, but Arsenal’s firm stance against selling suggests they see him as integral to their title-chasing ambitions.
