Talks already well underway as Arsenal look to get Ethan Nwaneri to sign long-term contract ahead of 18th birthday

Arsenal have opened talks to get Hale End academy graduate Ethan Nwaneri to sign a new long-term contract, according to talkSPORT.

The 17-year-old agreed to scholarship terms last summer before his schoolboy registration ran out and the Gunners now want to tie him down to fresh terms.

However, Nwaneri cannot sign a new deal until he turns 18 in March 2025, but talks are already well underway and the young midfielder is keen to commit his future to Arsenal.

The England youth international became the Premier League’s youngest player aged 15 years and 181 days when he made his debut against Brentford in September 2022, and while he played just once across all competitions in 2023-24, he has already played thrice so far this season.

Nwaneri came off the bench in the Premier League victories over Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City and played 90 minutes in the Carabao Cup game against Bolton Wanderers.

The teenage sensation bagged a brace as Arsenal ran out 5-1 winners against the League One club, and he is expected to be more involved in more games going forward.

The Gunners are currently without their captain Martin Odegaard after he twisted his ankle while on international duty, and it could be a blessing in disguise for Nwaneri.

He could get another chance to impress off the bench against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League tonight, and the youngster will be desperate to always prove his worth anytime he is given the opportunity.

Nwaneri is the future of the Arsenal midfield and will hope to establish himself as a regular starter sooner rather than later.