Arsenal teen sensation closes in on new lucrative long-term deal – reports | OneFootball

Arsenal’s teen sensation Ethan Nwaneri is reportedly close to signing a new five-year deal with the Gunners after turning 18 today.

The Hale End academy product, who has eight goals in all competitions for Arsenal this season, was ineligible to sign a long-term contract before his 18th birthday and the Gunners are ready to act swiftly in order to keep him at the club for a long time to come.

Since breaking through this season, Nwaneri has earned the trust of his team-mates and manager Mikel Arteta and has been rewarded with regular games for the first-team in both the Premier League and the Champions League.

Injuries to key players have aided his cause but his emergence has left Arteta with no choice but to continue to utilise him in big matches.

Nwaneri previously signed his first professional contract with the Gunners last year aged 17 — the youngest eligible age to sign such terms — which was three years in length.

And having surpassed the expectations of club staff and officials Nwaneri is now likely to be rewarded with lucrative new terms, the Daily Mail report.

The Gunners have been made aware of interest from rivals Manchester City and Chelsea in the past but have been quick to reassure the talented teenager that he has a big future in north London.

Nwaneri is currently on England under-21 duty preparing for matches against France and Portugal over the next week, before returning to Arsenal ahead of key games in the Premier League and in Europe.

The impressive forward is expected to play a pivotal role with the Gunners bracing themselves for the challenge of facing Champions League holders Real Madrid in their quarter-final tie at the start of next month.

It will signal the start of a crucial few months with Arsenal hopeful that Nwaneri will be the first big name player to agree fresh terms.

Conversations are currently ongoing with Bukayo Saka and defensive duo William Saliba and Gabriel as Arsenal look to tie the core of Arteta’s team down to long-term deals.