Arsenal are reported to be close to agreeing a new contract with teenage sensation Ethan Nwaneri, who is said to be happy to remain at the Emirates for years to come.
The Londoners’ only chance of silverware this season will likely be the Champions League given they are 12 points behind first-placed Liverpool in the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta‘s side have been disrupted by injuries this campaign, with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz all suffering long-term issues.
Despite the negatives surrounding the 2024-25 season, the emergence of 18 year old Nwaneri in the absence of Saka on the right of attack has been a real positive.
Reports from Football Insider suggest that the forward is set to sign a new long-term deal, and talks with the teenager are said to have been straightforward.
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How much can Nwaneri contribute?
Nwaneri made his debut against Brentford in September 2022 aged just 15, and he has made 29 appearances across all competitions in 2024-25, scoring eight goals and providing one assist.
His contributions have already earned his side points against the likes of Leicester City and Brighton & Hove Albion, while his goal against Girona in the Champions League in January proved to be the decisive strike in a 2-1 victory.
The 18-year-old will likely be displaced from the starting XI once Saka returns to the lineup, but Nwaneri is also comfortable playing in an attacking midfield role.
Perhaps Arteta could find playing time for him as an option behind Saka and Martin Odegaard, and it would be sensible to ensure that he is given the time needed to adjust to playing regularly in order to avoid injury.
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What does the future of Arsenal’s attack look like?
With Arsenal confirming the appointment of Andrea Berta as sporting director on Sunday, it is imperative that the 53-year-old provides Arteta with the firepower needed to challenge for the Premier League title.
The Gunners’ tally of 53 goals in the top flight is 16 fewer than Liverpool, and it would not be surprising if a striker such as Alexander Isak was targeted in the summer.
Other attackers such as Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha have also been strongly linked with a move to the Emirates, and perhaps a position on the left of attack could be up for grabs considering Gabriel Martinelli‘s mixed form.
If Arsenal were to make additional signings in the forward line this summer, then they would arguably boast one of the world’s most threatening attacks.
