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By YASEEN ZAMAN Published: 08: 00 AEST, 16 July 2025 | Updated: 08: 06 AEST, 16 July 2025 View comments Arsenal's teenage sensation Ethan Nwaneri is reportedly close to signing a new a long-term contract, amid uncertainty surrounding his future. The 18-year-old enjoyed a fine breakout campaign for the Gunners last season as he scored nine goals in 37 appearances across all competitions. However, there has been speculation that Nwaneri could leave Mikel Arteta's side, with his existing deal set to expire next summer. This has only been fuelled by the impending arrival of Noni Madueke from Chelsea, as well as Arsenal's strong interest in Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze - both of whom Nwaneri may find himself competing for position with. Nevertheless, the Hale End graduate appears determined to fight for his place at Arsenal, with contract talks gathering pace as Nwaneri signals his commitment to his boyhood club. The England Under-21 international’s priority was always to stay in north London, according to The Athletic. Arsenal are reportedly in the final stages of talks with Ethan Nwaneri over a new contract There have been doubts about Nwaneri's future, as his current deal expires next summer But te 18-year-old is fully committed to fighting for a long-term place at his boyhood club It is understood that Nwaneri - who played almost 1400 minutes in all competitions last season - did not make any demands regarding his playing time during recent negotiations. Mail Sport reported last week that Arsenal hope they can convince the player to stay by offering him a five-year contract - or a four-year deal with an option for a further year to be included. Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta are said to remain positive that an agreement can be reached, while Nwaneri's team are also keen on finding common ground. Should that be the case - and Nwaneri were to end up signing a new contract - he would be the third Arsenal player to commit their long-term future to the club this summer. They have already seen fellow youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly sign a new contract that will keep him at the club until 2030. Fellow defender Gabriel has also put pen to paper on a new deal that will see him stay in N5 until 2029. Nwaneri joined Arsenal's academy at the age of eight. At just 15 years and 181 days old, he became the youngest ever player to feature in the Premier League when he came on against Brentford in 2022. Since then, he has made 39 senior appearances in total and scored nine goals.
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