Arsenal believe they are edging closer to securing a new deal for rising star Ethan Nwaneri after holding fresh talks this week.
The Gunners have long viewed the 18-year-old midfielder as a vital part of their future, and recent discussions have left the club optimistic about tying him down.
After months of negotiations, the club laid out a clear vision for Nwaneri’s development, assuring his camp of a pathway into Mikel Arteta’s first team. Those assurances appear to have strengthened Arsenal’s position, even as other top clubs circled.
Chelsea reportedly tested the waters with a light approach, but Arsenal made it clear they had no interest in engaging further.
Nwaneri has already offered glimpses of his potential on the pitch. On 25 September 2024, he bagged a brace in a 5–1 win over Bolton in the EFL Cup. He then netted his first Premier League goal on 23 November 2024 in a 3–0 win against Nottingham Forest, becoming the ninth-youngest scorer in league history at 17 years and 247 days.
