Andrea Berta has taken over as Arsenal sporting director following Edu's exit earlier this season and the Italian has begun to make progress on one of the club's top priorities
One of Andrea Berta's first tasks as Arsenal sporting director is securing a new contract for Ethan Nwaneri. The teenager is due to be rewarded for a breakout season with an improved deal, with Berta set to open talks.
Nwaneri signed his first professional contract towards the end of the 2023-24 season after turning 17. He has been eased into the first team by Mikel Arteta after making his Premier League debut at 15, but is now very much part of the first-team picture.
Despite regularly starting games from the bench, the teenager has eight goals and two assists this season at a rate of one goal involvement for every 120 minutes on the pitch. Arguably the pick of the bunch came in a 5-1 win against Manchester City, while he also scored the first Champions League goal of his career away to Girona.
Now, according to BBC Sport, a new long-term deal for Nwaneri - who opened his England Under-21 account in March - is a 'key internal objective' for the London club. Contact has reportedly been made with the player's representatives, though no offer is on the table at the time of writing.
Discussions are understood to also be underway over a new deal for Myles Lewis-Skelly. Both teenagers are expected to receive significant pay rises if and when they agree terms.
Gunners midfielder Declan Rice sung Nwaneri's praises after the youngster starred in a 7-1 win away to PSV Eindhoven in March. "We've taken them [youngsters] under our wing and they deserve to be playing," Rice said at the time. "You should see them train they way they have no fear and want to perform.
"Even if [Bukayo] Saka was here Ethan would be still getting minutes because he's that good and works so hard in training. Same with Myles [Lewis-Skelly] despite having to come off for the yellow card tonight, we have so many top young players."
A new deal for Nwaneri isn't the only priority for Berta, who was confirmed as Edu's successor at the end of March. The former Atletico Madrid transfer chief is also set to be tasked with finding a new starting striker for the Gunners, who have been left light up top after injuries took their toll this season.
Alexander Isak is the one Premier League star whose name continues to be mentioned in connection with the Gunners, though he would command a hefty fee - especially if Newcastle qualify for the Champions League. Others mentioned include Sporting's Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig hotshot Benjamin Sesko.
Berta is also expected to work on a new deal for Bukayo Saka. The England star's current contract runs until 2027, and he hinted at wanting to stay with his boyhood club for the long run.
"Yeah, well, for me I want to win and I want to win wearing this badge," Saka said before Arsenal's midweek win against Real Madrid. "So I think it's pretty clear the fans know how much I love them."