Arsenal starlet Ethan Nwaneri has now signed his first professional contract, keeping him at Arsenal after interest from elsewhere.
The teenager became the youngest player to ever appear in the Premier League when Mikel Arteta handed him a shock debut against Brentford last season, and the 17-year-old has become one of the standout prospects in the Hale End Academy.
His new contract comes as a huge boost, as Arsenal had to fight off interest from Manchester City and Chelsea to keep their prodigy, and it is clear that the club have high hopes for the midfielder.
The head of the academy, former Arsenal star Per Mertesacker, has now praised Nwaneri and highlighted why he is such a special talent.
Per Mertesacker praises Arsenal starlet Ethan Nwaneri
Speaking via club media, Mertesacker outlined the qualities which allow Nwaneri to play such an important part in midfield in all of his academy sides.
“We are extremely proud of Ethan and his journey, from pre-academy to Hale End, then a seamless transition to Sobha Realty Training Centre and then making his first team debut,” Mertesacker stated.
“Ethan’s journey now continues, and we will all be there alongside him to support his development.
“Ethan has a strong ability to master the ball, dominate possession and is really effective in the final third, which fits into our playing style at Arsenal Football Club.
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“He is someone that will thrive on and off the pitch as a Strong Young Gunner and we look forward to working with him during his ongoing development in the years to come.”
Ethan Nwaneri’s incredible Arsenal academy stats
The teenage starlet has been playing well above his age group for quite some time, featuring heavily for the under-21s, whilst regularly training with the first team.
He has flourished this season as an attacking midfielder, scoring an astonishing 14 times in 14 games across the academy, whilst also providing three assists.
Ethan Nwaneri’s incredible Arsenal academy stats this season:
- Games – 14
- Goals – 14
- Assists – 3
- Yellow cards – 3
In the Premier League 2, playing against Academy stars four years his senior, he has scored seven times in nine games, and with Martin Odegaard now personally mentoring him, he is beginning to develop into an outstanding midfield prospect.
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Arsenal now have him tied down for the long term, and from next season, he will likely receive more opportunities to shine in the first team.