Ethan Nwaneri closing in on new five-year Arsenal contract

Arsenal are closing in on a new long-term contract for wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri to reward his continued rapid rise.

Mail Sport understands that the proposed deal is up to five years in length.

The attacker, who is one of Arsenal’s most promising prospects, has scored eight goals in 29 appearances this season as he’s stepped up on the right wing to fill a gap left by Bukayo Saka’s hamstring injury.

Nwaneri previously signed his first professional contract with the Gunners last year aged 17 — the youngest eligible age to sign such terms — which is three years in length.

He turned 18 today and the north London club are looking to go a step further to secure his long term future, with Nwaneri’s quick progression this season having surpassed the high expectations of Arsenal staff.

The Gunners have previously had to ward off interest from both Chelsea and Manchester City.

The teenager is currently away with the England Under 21s for friendlies against France and Portugal.

Nwaneri made his Premier League debut on 18 September 2022 against Brentford at the age of 15 years and 181 days, becoming the youngest player to appear in the top flight of English football.

He then continued to impress at youth team level, before becoming a permanent member of the first-team squad this season.

Contract negotiations are high on the agenda at Arsenal right now, with Mail Sport reporting earlier this week that the club are set to open talks with Saka over a new deal.

He is one of three key players whose contract is set to expire in 2027.

Defensive duo William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes also have two years left to run on their respective deals, and both are likely to draw interest from Europe's elite clubs in the coming months.