Arsenal are ready to show their commitment to Ethan Nwaneri.
Ethan Nwaneri was awarded yet another runout for Arsenal on Sunday, as the teenager came on as a substitute in the 2-0 Emirates Cup win over Lyon.
Whilst he was only on the pitch for just over ten minutes, Nwaneri made a positive impression. The 17-year-old already looks so comfortable and assured at first-team level. He is positive and aggressive on the ball, and seeks to make things happen in the final third.
Against Lyon, the Hale End academy wonderkid caught the eye with one progressive dribble, as he showed that he is unafraid to run directly at opponents with the ball at his feet. He was also able to unleash a shot on goal.
It is hard to imagine that Nwaneri would still benefit a great deal from playing at nothing but academy level this season. Mikel Arteta will recognise that he is ready to test himself on the senior stage, but the Gunners are seemingly not considering sending him out on loan.
Arteta has promised Nwaneri that he will get game time this season if he earns it. The Spanish coach has handed the young midfielder two Premier League outings in the past.
Arsenal working on Ethan Nwaneri contract
According to Football Transfers, Arsenal have now begun talks with Nwaneri over a new contract. The youngster won’t be able to pen fresh terms until he turns 18 in March 2025, but the club are keen to have an agreement in place prior to that date. Arsenal plan to tie Nwaneri down to a five-year contract.
This move suggests that Arteta is serious about keeping his promise of giving Nwaneri game time this season. Certainly, the England under-17 international is only going to want to sign a new contract if he feels that he stands a good chance of being regularly involved at the Emirates Stadium.
How will Nwaneri break into the Arsenal team?
Nwaneri has been mentored by Martin Odegaard, and is perhaps the long-term heir to the Norwegian playmaker. However, he stands no chance of usurping the club captain in the pecking order any time soon.
However, Nwaneri may be able to offer a substitute option for Odegaard, allowing Arteta to take the skipper off before the final whistle in instances where the game is already all but won and the opportunity to give the former Real Madrid man a bit of an extra rest is there.
Alternatively, whilst there is still a question mark as to who is the best option in the left-eight role, Nwaneri may well be aiming to force his way into that conversation.
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