Arsenal are set to open talks with 18-year-old Ethan Nwaneri over a new long-term contract.
Nwaneri has emerged as a key contributor to Mikel Arteta’s squad this season, prompting the club to draw up an improved deal to drive away any potential suitors this summer.
His current contract runs until the end of the 2025-26 season, but Arsenal are eager to act early to keep him.
The arrival of Andrea Berta as sporting director has reinforced the club’s focus on youth development, with tying Nwaneri down to a fresh deal now considered a top internal priority.
Although a formal contract proposal has not yet been made, Arsenal have reached out to Nwaneri’s camp to begin the process.
A substantial salary increase is anticipated as part of the new deal. Nwaneri is still on the terms of his first professional contract, which he signed while progressing through the club’s academy. The new contract would reflect his rapid development and growing reputation as one of Europe’s most promising young players.
While financial terms will play a role in the upcoming talks, Nwaneri’s development trajectory under Arteta is also expected to be a crucial aspect of the discussions.
🔴⚪️⭐️ New contract proposals ready and talks underway since February for both Ethan Nwaneri & Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Arsenal are working on it. ⤵️🔐 https://t.co/eevszoRnRs
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 9, 2025
The teenager has made 31 appearances this campaign, stepping up amid an injury crisis that sidelined several of Arsenal’s senior attackers.
Key players such as Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Jesus have all missed considerable time, opening the door for Nwaneri to gain valuable experience.
Notably, Saka’s recent return from a four-month absence due to hamstring surgery hasn’t displaced Nwaneri from the squad. The young forward has started both Premier League fixtures since Saka’s comeback, although he remained on the bench during Arsenal’s Champions League victory over Real Madrid on Tuesday night.
Another young Gunner, Myles Lewis-Skelly, is also in discussions over a new contract. Talks with the 18-year-old midfielder are already underway. Lewis-Skelly has had a breakthrough year, earning a regular spot in the team and making an impression on the international stage.
He featured in Thomas Tuchel’s first two matches as England boss and even scored on his debut against Albania.
