Arsenal's hugely promising teenage talent Ethan Nwaneri has signed his first professional contract with the club.

The deal was announced on Thursday afternoon (March 28) after the Hale End graduate has continued to develop under the guidance of academy supremo Per Mertesacker and U21s boss Mehmet Ali. 

Nwaneri made history back in September 2022 when aged 15 years and 181 days as he became the youngest player to ever feature in an English top-flight match, and the youngest player ever to represent the club's men’s first-team when he came on towards the end of 3-0 win at Brentford.

The talented teen had progressed his development this term, featuring as a substitute in the Gunners 6-0 Premier League victory at West Ham United last month.

Academy manager Mertesacker said: “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.”

The 17-year-old midfielder has made 14 appearances in all competitions across the academy this season, scoring 14 goals in the process.

The England youth international joined the North Londoners back in May 2015 and has developed through the academy, impressively progressing through respective age categories ever since.

Seen plenty of the talented Ethan Nwaneri at academy level over the last couple of seasons and Arsenal signing him on his first pro-contract could well be one of the most significant deals the club makes over the next few years. A seriously significant prospect for the Gunners pic.twitter.com/t3eMyLvPX5

— Layth (@laythy29) March 28, 2024