Arsenal have finalised a new deal for highly-coveted starlet Ethan Nwaneri and are on the cusp of securing a new deal for Reiss Nelson, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano on Twitter.

On top of this, Romano also mentioned that Arsenal’s next priority is to sort out a new deal for towering centre-back William Saliba, who is set to sign the dotted line ‘soon’.

On Nwaneri’s new contract, Romano wrote: “Official, confirmed. Ethan Nwaneri signs scholarship deal at Arsenal, as expected Arsenal won competition of many top clubs to keep Nwaneri as revealed last week — he also agreed first pro deal to be signed when he will turn 17. Huge for Arsenal & their project.”

Meanwhile, on Nelson’s new deal, he tweeted: “After Nwaneri earlier today, Arsenal have scheduled new long term deal signing for Reiss Nelson — four year as revealed in May. Next one: William Saliba, set to sign until June 2027 with option for further year.”

Will Reiss Nelson be a key player for Arsenal next season?

Last season, despite his limited game time, Nelson proved that he can still be a valuable asset to the Gunners when he is called upon. In total, he scored three goals and registered three assists in 2022/23 across 18 appearances in all competitions.

He spent much of the previous campaign sidelined with a thigh injury – nevertheless, he did not let this setback get in the way. On his first game of the season, he scored two goals and set up another against Nottingham Forest.

Soon after this, however, he would be put out of action again with the same injury. It was frustrating for both the player and the fans – but he now appears to have a clean bill of health as we approach the 2023/24 season.

How will Ethan Nwaneri factor into the senior team?

Nwaneri’s gametime will most likely be far more limited than Nelson’s – he is still just 16 years of age. Despite this, he has displayed technical ability and mental attributes far beyond his years for both the U18s and the senior team.

As such, it would not be surprising to see Nwaneri play a somewhat larger role next season. In 2022/23, he made just the single appearance – a brief cameo in the Gunners’ 3-0 away win against Brentford, which saw him become the youngest player in Premier League history.