Arsenal news: Ethan Nwaneri to sign new deal at the Emirates Stadium
Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri is set to extend his stay in North London, despite interest from other Premier League teams.
Fellow Londoners Chelsea were understood to be exploring a deal for the 18-year-old, whose current deal at the Emirates Stadium expires in June 2026.
With a flurry of incomings, the Gunners’ new sporting director Andrea Berta has been hard at work this summer.
Attacking duo Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres are both on the verge of joining Arsenal’s list of new recruits, as well as Spanish defender Cristhian Mosquera.
Arsenal to tie down Ethan Nwaneri
Ethan Nwaneri in Champions League action.
Arsenal have reportedly reached an agreement in principle with Nwaneri over a contract extension, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Hale End graduate will put pen to paper on a new five-year deal, as reported by Sami Mokbel.
Ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign, the English youngster is set to play a more central role in Mikel Arteta’s side.
The Gunners jet off to Asia for their pre-season tour on July 19, so it will be interesting to see what part Nwaneri plays.
Ethan Nwaneri’s breakthrough campaign
Last season was certainly one to remember for Nwaneri.
Alongside fellow academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly, the England U21 international firmly established himself as part of Arsenal’s senior squad.
While mainly utilised off the bench and in the absence of Bukayo Saka, Nwaneri made an impressive 37 appearances in all competitions, scoring nine goals.
Not to forget an impressive effort from outside the box in the Gunners’ 5-1 rout of Manchester City in February.
There is still a way to go until Nwaneri cements himself in Arteta’s starting line-up, but on a steep upward trajectory, it could only be a matter of time.
Where would Ethan Nwaneri fit in next season?
Ethan Nwaneri celebrates his goal against Manchester City.
The Gunners have added some serious depth out wide this summer, with Madueke’s arrival from Chelsea seemingly imminent.
With Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Reiss Nelson good options too, it poses the question of where Nwaneri will fit in.
Naturally an attacking midfielder in the North Londoners’ youth set-up, Arteta could deploy his star youngster in a similar role as Martin Odegaard’s understudy.
On the other hand, the Spaniard could utilise Nwaneri to plug any gaps that appear in Arsenal’s front line, whether in midfield or out wide.
Regardless, Nwaneri is set for a huge campaign next term, and one that could make or break his Arsenal career.
Keep up with all the latest news, rumours and betting tips with Transfer News Blitz, and follow us across our social platforms.
READ MORE: Arsenal analysis: Why Gabriel Magalhaes is so important to Mikel Arteta’s plan
