Arsenal open contract talks with teenage midfielder who smashed 18yo Nigerian record in win v Forest

Arsenal have opened contract negotiations with their teenage star Ethan Nwaneri following his impressive performances for the first team. 

The 17-year-old midfielder made a significant impact after coming on as a substitute in the 82nd minute of the Gunners' 3-0 rout of Nottingham Forest, scoring his first-ever Premier League goal just four minutes later to help secure all three points for the Gunners.

At 17 years and 247 days old, Nwaneri became the youngest player of Nigerian descent to score in the English Premier League, overtaking Victor Anichebe who was 18 years and 14 days when he found the net for Everton against West Brom in May 2006. 
Nwaneri's goal, a well-placed shot into the bottom corner following a cut-back from Raheem Sterling, made him the second youngest player to score for Arsenal in the Premier League, at 17 years and 247 days old.

The young talent has been making waves this season, already registering four goals in nine appearances across all competitions.

His performance against Nottingham Forest underlined his growing importance to Mikel Arteta's side, further solidifying his potential as one of Arsenal's brightest prospects.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have now initiated concrete discussions to offer Nwaneri an important contract, as they look to secure his future at the club amid growing interest from other top clubs.

"Arsenal have started concrete conversation for Ethan Nwaneri's contract. They want to give him an important contract in the next months probably," Romano said on his YouTube page. 

Romano also noted that the ongoing changes within Arsenal's front office, including the departure of Edu Gasper and the search for a new director, may impact the timing of the contract offer, but that the club's strategy to build around Nwaneri for both the present and future remains unchanged.

"Let's see how much time it will take. We also know that Arsenal had some changes with Edu Gasper leaving the club.

"Arsenal are looking for a new director, so there is some movement around Arsenal, this could affect the timing but not the strategy or idea to have Ethan Nwaneri as one of the talents for present and future."

"Nwaneri has a great relationship not only with Mikel Arteta but with the whole staff."

Adeyemi Adewale

Photo Credit: arsenal.com

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