Declan Rice now sends message to Ethan Nwaneri after new Arsenal contract confirmed

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Arsenal starlet Ethan Nwaneri has put pen to paper on his first professional contract at the club, in a huge boost.

Arsenal had to fight off strong interest from elsewhere to convince their teenage prodigy to stay, and he has now signed a deal, which Per Mertesacker has hailed as a huge step in his development.

The 17-year-old has been outstanding in the academy sides this season, and was given another chance off the bench as he impressed against West Ham in the Premier League.

This was a game which saw him come off the bench, much to the delight of the senior players, and midfielder Declan Rice has now praised Nwaneri following his contract announcement.

READ MORE: Everything to know about Arsenal ace Declan Rice from his girlfriend to height

Declan Rice praises Ethan Nwaneri after Arsenal contract announcement

Nwaneri took to Instagram after the news was confirmed, and Rice left a comment expressing his happiness with the youngster.

“You deserve it Eth! Some player and a even better person,” Rice commented.

Senior player such as Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Magalhaes also left comments, as well as sporting director Edu Gaspar.

What is the next step for Ethan Nwaneri at Arsenal?

More first-team opportunities are inevitable for the teenager, but they may not come this season, with Arsenal currently competing in the Premier League title race and the Champions League quarter-finals.

Nwaneri has now admitted that he wants to continue his development to eventually earn a first-team spot.

“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,” he told club media.

Nwaneri has scored 14 goals in 14 games as an attacking midfielder for the youth sides this season, and may have the potential to become a key player for Arsenal in the future.