Arsenal have begun discussions with Ethan Nwaneri about signing an improved contract, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The 17-year-old only signed his first professional deal back in March but the Gunners are keen to keep the midfielder for the long term following his breakthrough into the first team. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said:

“Arsenal have started concrete negotiations for Ethan Nwaneri’s contract. They want to give him an important contract in the next [few] months probably, let’s see how much time that will take.”

There is one potential stumbling block, though. Romano says the exit of Edu and the club’s search for another sporting director could potentially delay an agreement from being reached:

“We also know that Arsenal had some changes with Edu Gaspar leaving the club, Arsenal looking for a new director there is some movement around Arsenal that could affect the timing but not affect the strategy or the idea to have Ethan Nwaneri as one of the talents for present and future.”

Nwaneri has a very bright future ahead of him

The teenager scored his first Premier League goal after bagging Arsenal’s third in the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the weekend.

It led former Gunners star Paul Merson to label Nwaneri a “superstar” of the future, although he did warn him to remain patient for first-team opportunities.

What sort of salary could Arsenal offer the player?

There are reports suggesting that Nwaneri may be offered as much as £60,000 a week to stay at the Emirates. That is a lot of money for someone so young.

If he does put pen to paper on a new contract over the coming months, it will be hoped that he keeps a level head and continues on the same trajectory.

Find out who is in Arsenal’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here