Ethan Nwaneri is reportedly set to sign his first professional contract with Arsenal.
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WHAT HAPPENED?
According to the Daily Mail, Nwaneri, who recently turned 17, is set to finalize the deal upon his return from England Under 17 duty. Despite interest from top clubs like Chelsea and Manchester City, Arsenal has successfully retained the talented midfielder, reflecting the club’s commitment to nurturing young talent within its ranks.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The reported contract is expected to span between two to three years, with informal discussions underway for a potentially improved deal upon Nwaneri’s 18th birthday. This demonstrates Arsenal’s long-term investment in the young player and their belief in his potential to make a lasting impact on the team.
DID YOU KNOW?
Nwaneri made headlines in 2022 when he made his Premier League debut at just 15 years and 181 days old, breaking records as the youngest player to grace the top flight of English football. His recent appearances, including a notable performance off the bench in Arsenal’s 6-0 victory over West Ham, further underscore his talent and potential on the pitch.
WHAT NEXT?
At Arsenal, Nwaneri is reportedly receiving mentorship from team captain Martin Odegaard, to further enhance his development and integration into the first team. The club has been closely monitoring Nwaneri’s progress since his time at Hale End, where he consistently excelled in higher age groups, as he scored for the U14s at just 12 and went on to strike twice for the U18s, when he was 14.
