Arsenal tie down Nwaneri to long-term deal until 2030
18-year-old Ethan Nwaneri has signed a new deal with Arsenal keeping him at the club until 2030 after an impressive season, choosing to remain in Arteta’s future plans despite strong interest from Chelsea.
Arsenal’s new generation steps up
Arsenal continue to bring through top talent in English football with players emerging from their academy in recent years. Following in the footsteps of Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson, Ethan Nwaneri is now one of the most exciting prospects to emerge from this tradition.
At just 18, the midfielder became an integral part of Mikel Arteta’s plans during the 2024–25 season. Making the most of his increased playing time after Bukayo Saka’s injury, Nwaneri quickly won the fans’ hearts with his pace, creativity and goal contributions.
Did Nwaneri’s performance exceed expectations?
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.
While Arsenal finished second in the Premier League for the second consecutive season, Nwaneri’s impact on the pitch went beyond statistics; the confidence he brought to the team was clear for all to see. Despite his young age, he stood out with his maturity, disciplined work ethic and versatility.
By playing on the right wing, in central midfield and as a striker last season, he strengthened Arteta’s tactical options. On the wing, he could reach the byline to cross or cut inside to get a shot away. In midfield, he actively participated in build-up play, took responsibility in distribution and broke up opposition attacks during defensive transitions to maintain the team’s balance. As a striker, he contributed goals with his penalty-box finishing and instinct for being in the right place at the right time.
This consistent performance across three different roles not only reinforced the coaching staff’s trust in him but also cemented his place in the eyes of Arsenal supporters as one of the club’s indispensable names for the future.
Did the transfer talk ever stop?
As the season ended, speculation about the young talent’s future became a hot topic. According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea, one of Arsenal’s biggest rivals, had also shown serious interest in Nwaneri. Despite Chelsea’s pursuit and the fierce competition for places at Arsenal, the club’s management moved quickly to keep their young star.
After talks last month, a long-term deal keeping him at the club until 2030 was signed. Alongside fellow academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly, who also renewed his contract this summer, the development highlighted the club’s firm commitment to its youth policy.
“This club is my home”
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Nwaneri said:
“Signing this contract means everything to me. I see this as truly my first season at men’s level. I’m really excited about what I can bring to the team. My aim is to win everything I can, to bring joy and success to the club. This is my home.”
Manager Mikel Arteta also expressed his delight over the new deal, saying: “Ethan’s rate of development, professional football intelligence and work ethic are hugely valuable to us. He will be at the heart of this team for years to come.”
New season, new number
Next season, Nwaneri will wear the No 22 shirt, taking it over after goalkeeper David Raya switched to No 1. Previously wearing the numbers 83, 63 and 53, the young player described his new number as “a new chapter in my career.”
Hale End vision continues
Arsenal’s focus on developing academy talent extends beyond sporting success. The club is one of the Premier League’s leaders in giving young players minutes, maximising their potential and integrating them into long-term plans.
This vision can mean keeping key players to form the club’s core, or generating significant funds from their departures. For example, academy graduate Emile Smith Rowe joined Fulham in the summer of 2024 for €31.8 million. This transfer exemplified Arsenal’s strategy of extracting maximum value from homegrown players both on the pitch and in the market.
Ethan Nwaneri’s signature is the latest example of this long-term vision. Alongside other academy graduates such as Myles Lewis-Skelly, he is expected to form part of the backbone of the team in the coming years.
