Arsenal are in advanced talks to secure the long-term future of their emerging talent Ethan Nwaneri, according to a report.
Nwaneri's potential has been clear since he made history in 2022 as the youngest-ever debutant for the Gunners at just 15 years old.
Now 17, he has established himself as a regular under Mikel Arteta, featuring in eight matches across all competitions this season and scoring three goals in two Carabao Cup appearances.
The attacking midfielder has been earmarked for a bright future at Arsenal, and it appears the club is now aiming to reward him for the significant progress he has made over the past few years.
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Arsenal eager to extend Ethan Nwaneri deal
According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal are eager to offer the 17-year-old midfielder a lucrative new contract, acknowledging his crucial role in the squad this season.
Arteta's decision to keep Nwaneri with the first team this season, instead of loaning him out, is proving to be a smart move, and the Gunners' boss heaped praise on the teenager in a recent interview.
"He's a big talent, he's got the right attitude, he's got the right players and context around him and we need to make sure that we put brick by brick. But we have some player there!" Arteta said.
When asked how he can ensure the player does not get stifled, the Gunners' boss responded: "He's going to really dictate how that's gonna go. But I'm really, really happy with him... He wants to make every ball, he wants to make things happen.
"Outside, around the boys, he's still a bit quiet but that's usual. He's still only 17 years old. His work ethic is tremendous and he loves what he does."
Bukayo Saka has paved the way from Arsenal's Hale End academy to becoming a first-team superstar, and many expect Nwaneri to follow in the England international's footsteps.
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Arsenal to rival Man United, Liverpool for Bayern star
TEAMtalk have also revealed that Arsenal are considering making a move for Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane, whose contract with the Bavarians is set to expire at the end of the season.
The report adds that the Gunners are unlikely to make Raheem Sterling's loan move permanent at the end of the term, meaning they will likely be in the market for a new right winger next summer.
However, they may face stiff competition for the 28-year-old's signature, with Manchester United believed to have already opened discussions with the player's entourage, while Liverpool have also been credited with interest in his services.
Sane has featured in 10 matches across all competitions for the Bundesliga giants this season and has scored three goals, with the most recent coming in the side's 3-0 victory over Mainz in the DFB-Pokal at the end of last month.
Devesh Jaganath
