‘This Is Where I Feel at Home’: Ethan Nwaneri Commits Future to Arsenal
Arsenal have confirmed that prodigious attacking midfielder Ethan Nwaneri has signed a new long-term contract with the club, cementing his future at the Emirates after a meteoric rise through the Hale End Academy.
Nwaneri, who joined Arsenal at the tender age of eight, made headlines in 2022 when he became the youngest player to feature for the men’s first team—and the youngest top-flight player in English football history—at just 15 years and 181 days. Since then, his development has been nothing short of extraordinary.
In his first full senior campaign, the England Under-21 international made 37 appearances, including 16 starts, and scored nine goals. His breakthrough moments included a brace in the League Cup against Bolton Wanderers, a long-range stunner at Preston North End, and his first Premier League goal against Nottingham Forest.
January saw Nwaneri join elite company, becoming only the third player—after Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney—to score three Premier League goals before turning 18. He then opened his Champions League account with a dazzling strike at Girona, earning Arsenal’s Goal of the Month award.
His form continued into February, where he was named Player of the Month, highlighted by a spectacular goal in the 5–1 demolition of Manchester City.
Having made his England Under-18 debut on his 18th birthday in May, Nwaneri was later selected for the England squad that triumphed at the European Under-21 Championship in June 2025.
Reflecting on his journey and new contract, Ethan told Arsenal.com:
‘Signing this contract means everything to me. I see this as my first real season in men’s senior football, as part of the squad in the changing room. I’m so excited for what I can bring to the team, I want to help us win as much as possible and bring happiness and glory to the club. This is where I feel at home.’
