Ethan Nwaneri is poised to receive a substantial pay increase as Arsenal has started negotiations for a new contract with the promising teenager.
Nwaneri has had a remarkable breakthrough season, stepping up to the plate after injuries affected Arsenal`s key attacking players.
The current contract of the England Under-21 international is set to expire at the end of next season.
However, sources indicate that Arsenal has “initiated contact” with the 18-year-old`s representatives to extend his stay at the club.
New sporting director Andrea Berta, along with manager Mikel Arteta, is eager to secure the future of Arsenal`s most promising young talents.
And aside from Myles Lewis-Skelly, a left-back who is also highly regarded, Nwaneri is undoubtedly at the forefront of that list.
It is understood that no formal contract offer has been presented to Nwaneri yet.
However, it is anticipated that there will be no significant hurdles in reaching a long-term agreement, which will include a substantial increase in his wages.
Formal negotiations with Nwaneri`s representatives are expected to commence in the coming weeks.
Nwaneri signed his first professional contract, which runs until 2026, when he was still part of Arsenal`s youth academy.
Therefore, his next contract is expected to be considerably more lucrative.
Nwaneri has made 31 appearances for Arsenal across all competitions this season.
In his 21 Premier League appearances in the 2024-25 season, he has scored three goals and provided two assists.
Despite this, he remained on the bench during Tuesday night`s impressive 3-0 Champions League victory over Real Madrid.
In that match, Lewis-Skelly, who is the same age, delivered an outstanding performance, although Declan Rice was the standout player for Arsenal, scoring twice with exceptional free-kicks.
Nevertheless, Nwaneri has seen more playing time this season than he might have initially anticipated.
He has benefited from injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, as well as to wingers Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, although the latter two have now returned to full fitness.
Saka is also expected to engage in discussions regarding an extension to his contract, which currently runs until 2027.
Arsenal also intends to negotiate new contracts for their first-choice center-backs William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.
