Ethan Nwaneri signs new long-term contract at Arsenal

18-year-old Ethan Nwaneri has committed his future to Arsenal, with a deal that secures one of England’s brightest prospects until 2030.

Nwaneri has officially signed a new long-term contract at Arsenal, with reports suggesting the deal runs until 2030. The 18-year-old attacking midfielder, who enjoyed a breakthrough 2024/25 campaign, has become the latest Hale End graduate to commit his long-term future to the club.

Nwaneri made history in September 2022 when he became the youngest player to ever appear in the Premier League at just 15 years and 181 days old. Since then, the England youth international has continued to develop at an impressive rate within Arsenal’s academy system.

The 2024/25 season proved to be Nwaneri’s coming-of-age campaign, as he scored nine goals across all competitions to finish as Arsenal’s joint-fifth highest goalscorer. His breakthrough included his first Premier League goal against Nottingham Forest and brilliant Champions League strikes against Girona and PSV Eindhoven, helping the Gunners reach the semi-finals.

“Signing this contract means everything to me,” Nwaneri revealed. “I see this as my first real season in men’s senior football, as part of the squad in the changing room. I’m so excited for what I can bring to the team, I want to help us win as much as possible and bring happiness and glory to the club. This is where I feel at home.”

Nwaneri made 26 Premier League appearances last season, accumulating 892 minutes of top-flight experience, and his impressive form earned him a nomination for the PFA Young Player of the Year award in June.

The versatile midfielder’s development follows in the footsteps of fellow Hale End graduates who have become first-team regulars. “I’m a very versatile player, so I think I’m going to play anywhere across the front five, and I’m ready to do what the manager needs,” he explained.

Nwaneri drew inspiration from previous academy success stories, acknowledging the pathway created by Arsenal legends. “Reiss [Nelson], Bukayo [Saka], Emile [Smith Rowe] – so many players. Ainsley Maitland-Niles – all these players I was looking up to when I was young.”

Arsenal’s investment in Nwaneri reflects their commitment to youth development ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. After an impressive pre-season campaign, the youngster has made a good case to see himself start in the Gunners’ Premier League opener against Manchester United at Old Trafford.