Arsenal Set to Offer Record-Breaking Contract to Ethan Nwaneri

According to recent reports in England, Arsenal are set to offer a record-breaking contract to wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri and are confident in him staying at the Emirates. Manager Mikel Arteta is highly impressed with the player’s prowess and is ready to include him in his plans for the ongoing season and beyond.

Ethan Nwaneri is one of most recent graduates of the renowned Arsenal academy. For the past decade or so, the Hale End academy has been a valuable asset to the Gunners. Many players, including Bukayo Saka, Eddie Nketiah, and Emile Smith Rowe have merited promotions to the senior squad.

The North Londoners broke the Premier League record for the youngest player ever to appear in a game when the youngster made his debut at the age of 15 against Brentford in September 2022. This week, the London youth is in the news all over again.

As reported by Football Insider, Arsenal are all set to offer Ethan Nwaneri a record-breaking deal when he turns 17 this month. It has also been reported that the upcoming deal will be the highest-ever salary to be offered to an academy player.

Manchester City and Chelsea are also monitoring the midfielder’s situation. The Cityzens even made contact with the 16-year-old over a potential deal, but he turned them down. It is believed that the English youngster has already agreed to sign a professional deal with the Gunners and him signing the contract will kill off any imminent approaches from other PL clubs.

🔴⚪️ | 🚨 Arsenal are set to ward off interest from Man City for wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri by offering him a record breaking new deal.

The 16-year-old is set to sign his first pro contract with the Gunners as soon as he turns 17.

HUGE NEWS. The future of the club. 🌟 #COYG… pic.twitter.com/Xx04glmx2H

— Punch Drunk Arsenal (@PunchDrunkAFC) March 5, 2024

Player Profile:

Born in Enfield, London, on March 21, 2007, Ethan Chidiebere Nwaneri joined the Hale End academy at the age of 9. He primarily plays as a midfielder and is of Nigerian descent. He quickly progressed through the academy, becoming a regular for the U-18s at just the age of 14.

The youngster started the 2022-23 season with the Gunners’ under-18 team, but was swiftly promoted to the club’s under-21 squad. He made a solitary appearance for the U-21s in the Premier League 2 before being asked to join the first-team practice.

After his schoolboy contract expired in June 2023, the 16-year-old English teenager accepted a scholarship offer from the North London side, with the understanding that he would sign a professional contract in March 2024, when he turns 17. He already has 13 goals and 3 assists to his name in 13 youth game appearances this season (stats via Transfermarkt).

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri with a wonderful solo goal in a 4-2 win against Chelsea tonight

pic.twitter.com/5vSMrFkyB9

— TheSecretScout (@TheSecretScout_) March 1, 2024

The wonderkid became the youngster-ever player to appear in the Premier League, breaking Harvey Elliott’s Harvey’s with Liverpool. Ethan Nwaneri recently made his second appearance for the Arsenal senior team when he came on for a cameo in the 77th minute during the 6-0 demolition of West Ham.

Besides his precise finishing, the 16-year-old’s tight control when dribbling is one of the examples of his superlative technical abilities. In addition to making him stand out in youth football, his rapid bursts of acceleration, his eye for a pass, and the ability to ride a challenge have sparked intriguing conversations about his development and ceiling.

Currently, Kai Havertz provides the aerial threat option as a striker. However, Mikel Arteta can use a little depth and creativity upfront. In case of injuries, the English teenager can be a good option to go to.

Nwaneri is a versatile player who can play as a centre-forward besides his natural attacking midfield position. Alongside Martin Ødegaard or Leandro Trossard, the youngsteri can adapt to the senior team at a decent rate.

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