Arsenal starlet Ethan Nwaneri has put an end to speculation about his future by signing a new five-year contract that will keep him at the Emirates Stadium until 2030.
The 18-year-old forward enjoyed a breakthrough campaign under Mikel Arteta last season, making 26 Premier League appearances—including 11 starts—while contributing four goals and two assists.
He also featured in seven UEFA Champions League games, scoring twice as Arsenal reached the semi-finals for the first time in over a decade.
Reports in recent weeks had linked the highly rated youngster with a move away, with Chelsea said to be leading the list of potential suitors. However, Nwaneri’s new deal puts all exit rumours to rest and reaffirms his commitment to the club where he has developed since childhood.
A product of Arsenal’s Hale End academy, Nwaneri joined the Gunners at the age of eight and made headlines in 2022 when he became the youngest player to appear in a Premier League match, aged just 15 years and 181 days.
His extension follows closely on the heels of teammate and close friend Myles Lewis-Skelly, who also penned a new deal last month. The duo have risen through Arsenal’s youth system together and are widely regarded as future pillars of the senior squad.
Nwaneri further enhanced his profile this summer as a key part of England’s Under-21 squad that won the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Slovakia. He featured in every game as Lee Carsley’s team lifted the trophy for the second consecutive edition.
Positive Summer Continues at Arsenal
Nwaneri’s extension is another major boost in what has already been a busy summer at Arsenal. The Gunners recently completed the £52m signing of Noni Madueke from Chelsea, adding to earlier acquisitions: goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, midfielder Christian Norgaard, and playmaker Martin Zubimendi.
Arsenal’s transfer activity isn’t expected to slow down either. A big-money move for Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyökeres is believed to be close, while Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera is also reportedly on the verge of completing his move to Emirates Stadium.
The club hopes to finalise these deals ahead of their pre-season tour of Asia, which kicks off next week.