Nwaneri delighted to sign first pro contract at Arsenal

28/03/2024 17:15

Arsenal have confirmed that Ethan Nwaneri has signed his first professional contract with the club having turned 17 last week.

The midfielder is the youngest ever player to feature in the Premier League having made his debut for the Gunners at Brentford last season at the age of 15 years and 181 days. This season, he featured off the bench at West Ham.

Nwaneri has glided through the academy ranks since joining Hale End at the age of nine.

While most of his football continues to be played at youth level, he’ll no doubt have one eye on Arsenal’s summer tour of the USA and the opportunity it’ll afford him to further impress Mikel Arteta.

Speaking about the decision to award Nwaneri pro terms – something of a formality having persuaded him to stay at Emirates Stadium last year – Per Mertesacker told Arsenal.com: "We are extremely proud of Ethan and his journey, from pre-academy to Hale End, then a seamless transition to Sobha Realty Training Centre and then making his first team debut. Ethan's journey now continues, and we will all be there alongside him to support his development.

"Ethan has a strong ability to master the ball, dominate possession and is really effective in the final third, which fits into our playing style at Arsenal Football Club. He is someone that will thrive on and off the pitch as a Strong Young Gunner and we look forward to working with him during his ongoing development in the years to come."

Nwaneri says the deal is payback for all the hard work that has gone in over the years and is now targeting more games at the highest level.

"I'm delighted to have finally got to this stage after all the hard work over so many years," he told Arsenal.com.

"It's a proud moment for me and my family to finally be here, so I'm happy and ready to keep working.

"It was the dream to get to this stage. I've always thought about when this day would come and I've been looking forward to it, so I'm happy it's finally here.

He added: "I want to keep pushing towards the first-team, gain as much experience as I can from the players in the first-team, and score as many goals as I can in whatever game I'm playing in and just keep pushing. I'm just going to keep working and do my best when I get opportunities given."

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