Arsenal agree third major deal with Ethan Nwaneri – sources
Arsenal have agreed their third big deal in days as Ethan Nwaneri prepares to sign a new contract, sources have told Football Insider.
The rising star, 16, has reached an agreement on an initial scholarship deal that will be converted into professional terms when he turns 17.
It is a huge boost for Arsenal to keep hold of the record-breaker, the youngest player in Premier League history – and a blow to rivals.
Man City had pushed especially hard to convince the teen sensation to join and had been confident of doing so.
But Nwaneri has opted to remain at Emirates Stadium and will sign a new deal in the coming days.
It has been a momentous week off the pitch for the Gunners as the 2023-24 season approaches.
They have announced the signing of Chelsea Champions League winner Kai Havertz, and have also agreed to sign West Ham captain Declan Rice in a deal that is expected to be completed shortly.
Now, one of the most exciting young players in British football has decided to commit his future to the club.
Arsenal made Nwaneri the youngest-ever Premier League player in September 2022 when he came off the bench against Brentford at just 15 years and 181 days old.
He wasn’t part of the matchday squad for any other senior fixture in the 2022-23 season.
However, the sensation starred in age-group games, notching six goals and four assists in 26 combined appearances for the Under-18s and Under-21s.
He is also capped for England at youth level, turning out 17 times for the Under-17 side and scoring eight goals.
Nwaneri was part of the Arsenal Under-18 side to reach the FA Youth Cup final in April.
However, the young Gunners were blown away by West Ham’s youngsters – losing 5-1 in the showpiece occasion.
In other news, Arsenal set to blow Tottenham away with £106million+ payout.