Arsenal have landed the first big punch in a tug of war with Real Madrid to keep fast-rising youngster Ethan Nwaneri, MySportDab reports.
After a breakout 2024-25 season, Nwaneri emerged as a prime target for top European clubs and as expected Real Madrid weren’t taking the back seat in the race for the teenage sensation.
The 17-year-old hugged the headlines after scoring a magical goal in Arsenal’s Champions League match against Girona.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid were already on his trail monitoring his development through the Gunners’ youth system and were fancying a move soon.
Playing as an attacking midfielder, the English wonderkid is known for his flair with the ball and attacking prowess and was considered a perfect fit for Madrid’s pool of fast-rising ballers like Arda Guler and Endrick.
However, Arsenal considered him untouchable and were determined to keep him on a new long-term contract to ward off interests from Madrid.
Now, it appears the Gunners are winning the war to keep the youngster. According to Fabrizio Romano, they have made immense progress in talks renew his contract.
Details of the report reveals Nwaneri has been assured an integral role in Mikel Arteta’s squad and enough game time, including specific plans to ensure his development.
Ethan Nwaneri signed his first professional contract when he turned 17 on March 28, 2024. The inaugural contract was expected to expire at the end of next season and had a maximum duration of three years.
Hence, the Gunners needed a new deal to keep the player and ward off interests from suitors. Details of the proposed new contract is unclear. However, there are feelers it wouldn’t be less than five years running through 2030.
For Arsenal, this is a double win and boost to the club after the recently tie down another youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly to a new long-term contract.
