ETHAN NWANERI has been lined up for a huge pay rise after Arsenal opened talks over a new contract for the teen sensation.
Nwaneri is enjoying an explosive breakthrough season after stepping in following injuries to the Gunners’ main attackers.
The England Under-21 star’s current deal runs until the end of next season.
But the BBC say Arsenal have “initiated contact” with the 18-year-old’s representatives on extending his stay.
New sporting director Andrea Berta, as well as manager Mikel Arteta, is keen to tie down the Gunners’ hottest prospects.
And with the possible exception of left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly, Nwaneri is surely at the top of that list.
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It’s understood no official contract offer has yet been made to Nwaneri.
But there are unlikely to be any obstacles to the academy product agreeing a long-term deal and landing a huge wage increase.
Formal negotiations with the Londoners’ representatives are expected to start in the next few weeks.
Nwaneri signed his first professional deal – until 2026 – when he was still a Gunners’ youth player.
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That means his next contract is certain to be far bigger.
Nwaneri has amassed 31 appearances for Arsenal across all competitions this term.
And during his 21 Premier League games in 2024-25, he’s notched three goals and two assists.
However, he remained on the bench in Tuesday night’s sizzling 3-0 Champions League win over Real Madrid.
Instead, the same-aged Lewis-Skelly was a stand-out performer, although Declan Rice was Arsenal’s clear star man, scoring twice with stunning free-kicks.
Nonetheless, Nwaneri has played more often this campaign than possibly even he would have hoped.
Admittedly he’s profited from Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus getting crocked, plus the injuries of wingers Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, who are both now fit again.
Saka is tipped for talks on extending his contract beyond 2027.
The Gunners also want first-choice centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes to agree new deals
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
