Chelsea interested, Arsenal accelerate: new contract on the table for Nwaneri

Ethan Nwaneri, who made headlines as the youngest-ever player in Premier League history, is now approaching a decisive moment in his Arsenal career. The 18-year-old is entering the final year of his contract, caught between Chelsea’s push and Arsenal’s long-term commitment.

During the 2024–25 season, Nwaneri featured in 37 matches across all competitions for Arsenal, scoring 9 goals and providing 2 assists—an impressive return. The young talent firmly marked himself out as a dynamic attacking option by playing as a No 10, right winger, and centre forward. Arteta’s ability to deploy him in different roles underscored the coaching staff’s growing trust in his tactical maturity.

With manager Mikel Arteta personally involved in the process, talks have gained serious momentum in recent weeks. The talks have evolved positively, especially as the club has provided clear messages regarding the player's role within the squad.

Fabrizio Romano: Chelsea preparing major offer

Chelsea’s interest in the young star is far from speculation. According to Fabrizio Romano, the club is preparing a “significant offer” for Nwaneri, which has prompted Arsenal to step up their efforts. The player’s high potential and development curve have caught the attention of both clubs simultaneously.

Guaranteed playing time was the key demand

At the centre of negotiations lies the competition created by Arsenal’s efforts to sign attacking players like Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyökeres. Nwaneri’s representatives sought clarity on how often he’d feature in the team.

According to Fabrizio Romano, this became the crux of the negotiations. Romano stated, “With Arsenal looking to bring in players like Madueke and Gyökeres, Nwaneri’s camp sought guarantees regarding game time.” Arteta’s direct response to these demands and his expression of trust in the player helped steer negotiations in a positive direction.

According to BBC Sport, Arsenal’s offer could be a five-year contract, or potentially a four-year deal with an optional fifth year. This contract format underlines just how invested Arsenal are in his future.

New shirt number signals change in status

Ahead of the 2025–26 season, Ethan Nwaneri is set to wear the number 22 shirt, replacing his former academy number 53. This change signals that the young midfielder is now a regular fixture in Arsenal’s senior squad.

The Athletic commented on the shift: “Ethan Nwaneri’s switch from 53 to 22 is a clear indication that he’s no longer considered a fringe youth player, but someone with a formal first-team role.”

Similarly, BBC Sport noted that the change in squad numbers reflects the promotion of players within Arteta’s internal hierarchy:

“Several players changing shirt numbers—including Nwaneri—points to internal promotions within Arteta’s hierarchy.”

Despite his age, Nwaneri is now seen not just as a promising youngster, but as a trusted squad member with a defined role in the rotation.

Arsenal building for the long term

Nwaneri’s contract process is just one part of Arsenal’s broader long-term squad planning. The club is also aiming to secure new deals with key players such as Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, and Gabriel Martinelli, whose current contracts run until summer 2027.

The Athletic writes: “Arsenal are well aware that key figures like Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli are tied down until 2027, and internal discussions are already taking place to avoid any last-minute renewal pressure.”

This proactive approach, mirrored in recent contract extensions for Gabriel Magalhães and Myles Lewis-Skelly, signals a clear intent to build continuity around young talent.

Ethan Nwaneri’s future in North London is becoming clearer. Arsenal appear poised to fend off Chelsea’s interest and secure his future.