Arsenal sign Nwaneri to five year deal

Arsenal lock in 18 year old Ethan Nwaneri with a five year contract as he steps into his first full senior season.

Ethan Nwaneri signs five year Arsenal contract

Ethan Nwaneri has signed a five year contract with Arsenal, tying him to the club as he prepares for a first full season with the senior squad. The England U21 international became the youngest player in Premier League history when he made his Arsenal debut in 2022 at 15 and has since appeared 39 times in all competitions with 16 starts. The deal signals Arsenal’s continued faith in homegrown talent and a long term plan to build from within.
Nwaneri spoke of the personal importance of the contract and of joining the first team environment, underscoring the club’s aim to develop players from the academy into the senior squad. Analysts say the move fits a wider strategy to invest in youth while balancing development with performance, a trend that could shape how Arsenal approaches the season ahead.

The contract is a vote of confidence in youth and a hallmark of Arsenal’s approach under Mikel Arteta to promote academy players to the first team.
It also carries a reality check: a long term deal for a teenager comes with careful minutes management and clear development milestones. If Nwaneri makes regular steps into the senior group, it could set a strong precedent for how the club handles graduates in the coming years.

Highlights

The club backs youth, and the season will test how far that trust can carry Arsenal forward.