Ethan Nwaneri has committed his long-term future to Arsenal by signing a new five-year contract, despite interest from Chelsea and German clubs. The 18-year-old, who became the Premier League's youngest ever debutant at 15 years and 181 days in 2022, expressed his desire to build on a breakthrough season that saw him score nine goals in 39 appearances for the club.
Nwaneri made history in January by becoming only the third player, after Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney, to score three Premier League goals before turning 18. Until his birthday in March, Premier League regulations required him to use a separate changing room from senior players. Now fully integrated, he said: 'Signing this contract means everything to me. I see this as my first real season in men's senior football, as part of the squad in the changing room.'
The attacking midfielder, who joined Arsenal at the age of eight, added: '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 was also a member of England's victorious squad at the European Under-21 Championship this summer.
Alongside fellow academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly, who also signed a new long-term deal this summer, Nwaneri is regarded as one of the finest prospects to emerge from Arsenal's Hale End academy in recent years. The club has high hopes for 15-year-old Max Dowman, who impressed manager Mikel Arteta in a pre-season friendly against Villarreal. Arteta said: 'He continues to impress, without a doubt. The impact he had in the game again, the efficiency that he shows in every attack and action, it's incredible.'
Arsenal begin their Premier League campaign away to Manchester United on 17 August, with Nwaneri expected to play a more prominent role under Arteta this season.
