Fabrizio Romano: Arsenal in talks to hand midfield star new long-term deal, it’s considered a priority | OneFootball

Arsenal consider talks with Hale End graduate Ethan Nwaneri over a new long-term contract a priority and they are optimistic of getting it done, according to Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Gunners insider AFC AMDEN reported on Saturday that talks are ongoing with the 17-year-old over fresh terms ahead of his 18th birthday in March 2025, and the Italian has confirmed it.

Nwaneri has established himself as a key player for Arsenal this term, making nine appearances across all competitions so far and weighing in with four goals.

He came off the bench to notch his first-ever Premier League goal in the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the weekend, and manager Mikel Arteta has shown that he can be trusted in the big games following appearances against Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Newcastle United and Inter Milan.

Nwaneri made just an appearance last term after becoming the youngest player to ever appear in the Premier League at the age of 15 years and 181 days when he came off the bench against Brentford in September 2022, but he is slowly establishing himself as an important member of the squad and is set to be rewarded with an improved deal.

The teenage sensation agreed to scholarship terms last summer before his schoolboy registration ran out, and the young midfielder is now keen to commit his future to Arsenal.

Nwaneri was linked with an exit before he signed his current contract, but he has forced his way into the plans of Arteta and could soon become a regular in the starting XI.

He has impressed anytime he has been given the opportunity to come onto the pitch, and fans cannot wait to see him prove his quality and become a Premier League star.