Arsenal tie down record-breaking wonderkid Nwaneri to new deal

Ethan Nwaneri. (Photo Credit: Imago)

FKFPL Arsenal tie down record-breaking wonderkid Nwaneri to new deal

Mark Kinyanjui 21:59 - 29.06.2023

Nwaneri rewrote the record books in September 2022 when becoming the youngest player in Premier League history – with a senior debut made off the bench in a meeting with Brentford at the age of 15.

It just keeps getting better this week from a news perspective for Arsenal fans, as the club has confirmed the extension of Ethan Nwaneri’s contract at the club, which has fended off interest from Chelsea and Manchester City.

There had been concerns that the 16 year old might depart, with serious overtures from multiple clubs seeking to sign the Premier League’s youngest ever debutant.

However, they have now been allayed with a new contract which will see him offered professional terms when he turns 17 in March of next year.

Nwaneri became the youngest ever player to represent the club’s first team when he was introduced as a substitute against Brentford last season, aged 15 years and 181 days.

It was, perhaps, a demonstration of the club’s faith in his talent to ward off other clubs. At the time Mikel Arteta said, “It’s another step, an experience in your career. Not all the steps are going to be forward. After that, maybe he needs three backwards to go another one forward.

“But I think he deserves it and, as well, it sends a strong message about who we are as a club.”

This is another step forward for him, and his development will be keenly monitored by Arsenal fans.

On Wednesday, Arsenal confirmed the signing of Kai Havertz and had a record-breaking 105 million pounds bid accepted by West Ham for Declan Rice. Positive talks have also been confirmed for their pursuit of Jurrien Timber from the Netherlands.

Arsenal will be delighted to have another top talent staying put – having tied the likes of Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Gabriel Martinelli and Aaro Ramsdale to new contracts – with Mikel Arteta also bolstering his ranks this summer with deals for proven Premier League stars Kai Havertz and Declan Rice.

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