Arsenal fans have something big to smile about—Ethan Nwaneri, the club’s teenage sensation, is officially staying put.
The North London side has tied him down with a fresh five-year contract, a move that solidifies their faith in his meteoric rise and ensures he remains part of the club’s long-term vision.
From Young Debutant to First-Team Regular
Ethan Nwaneri isn’t new to breaking records.
Back in September 2022, he made headlines as the youngest ever Premier League player—just 15 years and 181 days old—when he came off the bench against Brentford.
Fast forward to now, and he’s gone from promising academy graduate to a solid contributor in Mikel Arteta’s first-team squad.
Last season, the 18-year-old really made his mark.
With Bukayo Saka sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Nwaneri stepped up and delivered.
He featured in 37 matches and found the back of the net nine times—an impressive feat for a teen just settling into the senior setup.
Reward for Rapid Growth
Arsenal had already offered Nwaneri his first professional contract at 17—the youngest possible age. That deal was set to run for three years.
But once he turned 18 in March, the Gunners wasted no time pushing for a longer commitment, recognizing just how much he’d surpassed their already sky-high expectations.
Now, that extended five-year deal has been agreed upon by all parties.
It’s a clear message from Arsenal: they believe in Nwaneri, and they’re willing to invest in him for the long haul.
Beating Off the Big Boys
Nwaneri’s talent hasn’t gone unnoticed by the rest of the Premier League.
Chelsea and Manchester City both showed interest in prising him away from the Emirates, but Arsenal managed to fend them off.
Securing this contract is as much a defensive move as it is a reward—it locks in one of England’s most exciting prospects amid rising competition.
A Busy Time for Arsenal’s Contract Team
This isn’t the only bit of contract business Arsenal is dealing with.
The club also has their eyes on extending the deals of other key players.
Bukayo Saka and William Saliba both have contracts that run until 2027, but with their stock continuing to rise, the Gunners will want to make sure they remain at the heart of the project for even longer.