Arsenal\'s 18-year-old midfielder Ethan Nwaneri remains unsigned with his current contract expiring next summer. The England Under-21 international can negotiate with foreign clubs starting in January 2026 if no agreement is reached.
Nwaneri\'s professional contract signed in 2024 upon turning 17 expires in summer 2026. Arsenal could not offer a long-term deal until his 18th birthday in March due to FA regulations limiting players under 18 to three-year contracts maximum.
The academy graduate made 37 first-team appearances last season, scoring nine goals with two assists across all competitions. His impressive breakthrough campaign has attracted strong interest from Premier League rivals and European clubs.
Arsenal\'s pursuit of attacking reinforcements could impact Nwaneri\'s playing time prospects. The club targets wingers including Chelsea\'s Noni Madueke, Crystal Palace\'s Eberechi Eze, and Real Madrid\'s Rodrygo alongside a new striker.
Manager Mikel Arteta views Nwaneri as a central midfielder rather than a winger. The teenager faces potential competition from 15-year-old prodigy Max Dowman, who operates in similar positions.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta must balance squad building with contract renewals. The club has already secured new deals for Gabriel and Myles Lewis-Skelly while negotiations continue with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.
Sources suggest optimism remains for a contract resolution despite the delicate nature of talks. Nwaneri has deep Arsenal connections, joining the club\'s pre-academy program before age eight and prioritizing his development at Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal cannot afford to lose such a valuable prospect as a free agent. Any potential sale would provide significant revenue for profit and sustainability calculations, though the club prefers retention over financial gain.