Ethan Nwaneri signs first professional contract at Arsenal

Arsenal academy midfielder Ethan Nwaneri has signed his first professional contract with the club.

Nwaneri, who turned 17 on March 21st, 2024, had already committed his future to the Gunners last summer by agreeing to a scholarship deal that transitioned into a professional contract upon his 17th birthday.

Nwaneri became the youngest player to make his Premier League debut aged just 15 years and 181 days against Brentford in September 2022 but has featured just once in the first-team setup since then.

However, the teenager has continued to deliver the goods for the Arsenal Under-21 side having netted seven times in nine matches this term, helping them to fourth in the standings.

Securing Nwaneri’s long-term future is a significant boost for Arsenal, demonstrating their commitment to nurturing young talent and the Englishman was equally pleased to have put pen to paper on a new contract.

“I’m delighted to have finally got to this stage after all the hard work over so many years,” Nwaneri said via Arsenal’s website.

“It’s a proud moment for me and my family to finally be here, so I’m happy and ready to keep working; it was the dream to get to this stage.

“I’ve always thought about when this day would come and I’ve been looking forward to it, so I’m happy it’s finally here.

“I didn’t have to think about it – this is my family and it feels like home here. Everyone’s like a family together and they care about everyone. It feels so special to me here.”

Nwaneri is currently on international duty with the England Under-17s and has netted in three matches in six days to take his scoring streak for club and country to five matches.