The FA rule causing Arsenal ‘anxiety’ over Ethan Nwaneri’s new contract, talks are now at a ‘delicate’ stage

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Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is in the midst of an unprecedented summer at the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta has demanded attacking firepower for his squad as they try to end the club’s trophy drought however, there are no breakthroughs in talks with Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres.

Balancing the books is also important for the Gunners. Arsenal fans are divided over Takehiro Tomiyasu’s departure, whilst the club are also looking to sell Oleksandr Zinchenko and Reiss Nelson.

Myles Lewis-Skelly signed a new contract to secure his long-term future but Berta still has several key players he needs to tie down. Ethan Nwaneri is one of those players and negotiations have not been plain sailing…

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta should tell Stan Kroenke and Andrea Berta what they must do to end Arsenal’s trophy drought

FA rule prevented Arsenal opening contract talks with Ethan Nwaneri until March 2025

Nwaneri is unsure over his Arsenal future amid concerns over his pathway to the first-team with the likes of Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard playing in his preferred positions.

According to the Athletic, the club are still confident they can come to an agreement with the Hale End star but talks are at a ‘delicate’ stage.

The report also stated that Arsenal were unable to enter into talks with Nwaneri until March this year due to a lesser-known FA rule.

A long-term contract couldn’t be offered to Nwaneri until his 18th birthday, according to FA Law C13, which states: “Players under the age of 18 may not sign a contract for a term longer than three years.”

Nwaneri’s current deal expires next summer, causing Arsenal some ‘anxiety’ that they could lose the player for free if terms and assurances cannot be agreed.

Mikel Arteta needs to show more trust in Ethan Nwaneri

Nwaneri is a big fan of Arteta and has recently heaped praise on the Gunners’ boss for his role in the 18-year-old’s development.

That being said, Nwaneri’s first-team opportunities became limited towards the end of the last campaign. Fans were desperate to see him in the Champions League semi-final but he was kept on the bench.

Arteta explained Nwaneri’s absence and it felt like the manager was very much trying to protect the youngster having played more football than expected last season.

The 18-year-old has proven he is ready for more game time and Arteta now needs to show him during pre-season and the beginning of the campaign that he is an important member of the squad.