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Ethan Nwaneri has scored eight goals in 31 games for Arsenal this season Arsenal are to hold talks with teenage forward Ethan Nwaneri about a new long-term contract. The 18-year-old has played an important role for the Gunners this season and the club intend to reward the youngster with improved terms. Nwaneri's existing deal expires at the end of next season. Following Andrea Berta's arrival as sporting director, Arsenal have made extending their academy graduate's contract among their key internal objectives. While a formal offer of a new contract has yet to be tabled, it is understood the club have initiated contact with Nwaneri's representatives, with a view to holding formal discussions which will take place in the coming weeks. Nwaneri can expect a significant pay rise, considering his existing deal is his first professional contract that he signed while in the academy. The new offer would reflect his status as one of European football's most promising teenagers. While financial matters will inevitably be a factor in discussions, Nwaneri's continued growth within manager Mikel Arteta's set-up will also be a strong consideration. Nwaneri has made 31 appearances for the Gunners so far this season, getting his opportunities amid a string of injuries suffered by senior attacking players. The likes of Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus have all missed long spells. Saka's recent return to fitness following a four-month lay-off, in which he underwent hamstring surgery, has not resulted in Nwaneri dropping out of the picture. The youngster has started both Premier League games since England winger Saka's return – although he was an unused substitute in the Champions League win over Real Madrid on Tuesday night. Fellow academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly, 18, is also in line for a new contract, with those discussions already under way. Lewis-Skelly has become a key figure for Arsenal this season and was named in the starting XI for Thomas Tuchel's first two matches in charge of England – even scoring on his international debut against Albania. Indeed, Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly are viewed as crucial to Arsenal's future and there is a strong ambition at Emirates Stadium to have both players tied down to new contracts. BBC Sport revealed last month that the club were due to open talks with Saka over an extension to his deal that runs until 2027, while securing William Saliba and Gabriel's futures is also on the immediate agenda for Berta. Unstoppable? Wall to blame? Keeper at fault? Rice's free-kicks analysed What's on Berta's to-do list at Arsenal? All the reaction, stats & analysis from Arsenal's Champions League triumph over Real Madrid Latest Arsenal news, analysis and fan views Get Arsenal news sent straight to your phone Comments can not be loaded To load Comments you need to enable Java Script in your browser Onana 'one of United's worst goalkeepers' - Matic Unstoppable? Wall to blame? Keeper at fault? Rice's free-kicks analysed Djokovic out of Monte Carlo as 100th title wait goes on Three optimistic siblings with one terrible secret A gritty crime saga set in Liverpool starring Sean Bean The device that is taking over people's kitchens Kyle Walker talks about leaving Man City to join AC Milan 'Does he want it too much? ' - Mc Ilroy's biggest Masters battle Why Emery seeks redemption on PSG return Which Lionesses helped their Euro 2025 case - and who didn't? 'He's the chosen one! ' - the rise of Lamine Yamal. Video'He's the chosen one! ' - the rise of Lamine Yamal Is Tsunoda an improvement on Lawson? F1 Q&A Watch: Cerci hat-trick as Germany thump Scotland. Video Watch: Cerci hat-trick as Germany thump Scotland 'We need the Masters' - Augusta's adversity after Hurricane Helene The last time I confess my real feelings - Humphries We watched every Premier League manager - here's what we found out Ex-champion Langer braced for 'emotional' Masters farewell 'I'd love team built around him' - who should Man City keep, or sell? 'We would love to see more spectators' - was Grand Slam Track a success? 'Blessed' - From tennis prodigy to basketball star How Verstappen stole Suzuka with Mc Laren stuck in 'rabbit hole' Ovechkin beats legend Gretzky's NHL goal record 'We must avoid that record' - how it all went wrong for relegated Saints Tearful Mullins savours career peak after National success with son Masters - dates, tee times, favourites & how to follow on the BBC Should female footballers play on different pitches? Shirts, sponsors and bad blood: how Trump's tariffs might affect sport Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.