Arsenal confident as major hurdle cleared in contract saga with star

Arsenal are edging closer to securing the long-term future of Ethan Nwaneri, with formal contract talks now advancing between the club and the teenager’s representatives.

The Gunners are preparing to offer the 18-year-old attacking midfielder a five-year deal, or a four-year contract with the option of a further season.

Negotiations have been ongoing for several months, but discussions have gathered pace in recent days with all parties increasingly optimistic about reaching an agreement.

Nwaneri’s current contract expires at the end of next season, having signed his first professional terms shortly after turning 17 in March 2024.

Arsenal were previously limited to offering a three-year deal due to FA rules regarding underage players, but are now in a position to secure his future on a longer-term basis.

While a final breakthrough is yet to be made, sources close to the club believe significant progress has been achieved in recent talks.

Fabrizio Romano has reported that Arsenal presented a detailed project to Nwaneri, outlining their vision for his development and clarifying the club’s plans regarding his game time moving forward.

Such assurances have been central to negotiations, particularly after concerns emerged in the player’s camp about limited opportunities towards the end of last season.

Despite making 37 appearances and scoring nine goals during a breakout 2024/25 campaign, Nwaneri’s minutes declined once Bukayo Saka returned from injury.

His representatives are now pushing for clarity on his role under Mikel Arteta, especially with Arsenal targeting several high-profile attacking signings this summer.

The likes of Eberechi Eze, Rodrygo, and Noni Madueke have all been linked, raising questions over how much game time will be available for a player still finding his feet in the first team.

Chelsea had been monitoring developments and were prepared to act if talks collapsed, but that threat now appears to be easing as Arsenal move closer to a resolution.

The Blues have not made any recent approaches, and the increasingly advanced nature of the discussions has cooled their interest.

Arsenal officials Andrea Berta and James King are leading the talks, and the focus now is on finalising the details and getting the deal over the line.

The signs are encouraging – and Arsenal look increasingly likely to keep Nwaneri in red and white.

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