Arsenal transfer news: Academy graduate moves closer to signing new deal at the Emirates as two parties enter final stages of talks

Arsenal have reportedly entered the final stages in talks with Ethan Nwaneri over a bumper new deal at the Emirates.

Rumours emerged earlier this month that the teenage sensation was contemplating a move away from his boyhood club, with his current contract set to expire at the end of next season, and many clubs from around Europe perked up with interest.

Nwaneri remains the youngest player ever to feature in the English top flight, when he came on against Brentford as a 15-year-old back in 2022, and he has gone from strength to strength ever since.

The 18-year-old scored nine goals for the Gunners last season, including four in the Premier League and two in the Champions League, making his mark in two of the world’s biggest competitions.

Nwaneri close to new Arsenal deal

However, fears of Nwaneri departing Arsenal have quickly been quashed, as it appears he is set to sign a new deal at the club.

David Ornstein claims that the club are now in the final stages of talks which will see Nwaneri commit his long-term future to the club.

A new deal will come with a significant pay rise, and the club are also promising Nwaneri that he will play a central role in the team during the upcoming season.

Despite that promise though, it is believed no concrete game time demands have been included in the new deal, for a player who played 37 times for the Gunners during the 2024-25 campaign, most of which were from the bench.

Unsurprisingly, Nwaneri was subject of major interest from clubs both at home and abroad when it emerged his contract situation was up in the air, but the report states his priority was always to remain at the Emirates.

What role will Nwaneri play at Arsenal next season?

While it is unlikely Nwaneri will be a starter should Arsenal have a fully-fit squad, it is expected that he will be the chief backup to captain Martin Odegaard.

Nwaneri was said to be pleased with how much faith manager Mikel Arteta showed in him last season, by handing him 37 appearances throughout the campaign.

That is the reason why there was no need for any promises around game time, as the player evidently trusts his manager to nurture him in the right manner at a crucial point in his development as a first-team player.

The arrival of Noni Madueke and the return to full fitness of Bukayo Saka will somewhat block Nwaneri’s passage into the first team, but playing in four competitions next season should provide the youngster with plenty of opportunities once again.

Nwaneri is currently on holiday after winning the Euro Under-21 title with England this summer, but he will shortly return to Arsenal for pre-season training ahead of the new season.