Arsenal are facing a challenge to get Ethan Nwaneri signed up to a brand new contract at the club, as time ticks away.
The past year has seen the youngster break into the senior side on a regular basis, making his way through the Hale End academy to prove his ability at the top level.
While that has been a clear positive, there is just one year remaining on Ethan Nwaneri’s contract, meaning pressure is building on an extension.
Chelsea are interested in Nwaneri on a free transfer, showing that Arsenal’s rivals are clearly taking note of the situation that is unfolding.
There are plenty of hurdles for Andrea Berta to pass before getting a deal over the line, which includes something he needs from Mikel Arteta.
The Arsenal boss risks repeating a mistake he made with Reiss Nelson, though, this time with Ethan Nwaneri.
- GET TO KNOW ETHAN NWANERI: Everything you need to know about Ethan Nwaneri including age, height and Arsenal record
Mikel Arteta made a mistake with Reiss Nelson after contract extension at Arsenal
As Nwaneri looks at his contract situation at Arsenal, the main thought that may occur is exactly how he can best develop.
With a need to play regular, meaningful minutes in competitive action, the youngster will need to decide what is best for him.
While that may still be at Arsenal, he may need to take note of those who came before him in the Arsenal academy ranks.
There are success stories, with Bukayo Saka being the most prominent of those to come through at Hale End to become a star for the team.
However, there is also the case of Reiss Nelson to take note of.
The winger came through at Arsenal and had a few loan spells before finally making a return and an impact on the team.
Nelson’s contract came towards an end in 2023, but he signed a new extension until 2027 with a view to being involved more.
That hasn’t been the case for the 25-year-old, though, who spent one season on the sidelines and another on loan at Fulham.
The lack of a pathway now means Nelson faces an exit from Arsenal this summer, while it’s clear that he hasn’t been able to hit the heights he would’ve wanted at the Emirates Stadium.
Nwaneri risks a similar fate at the club should he sign a new deal with a lack of guarantees over his minutes.
That’s where Arteta will be tasked with showing the 18-year-old exactly what he can do to reach the very top with the Gunners.
Reiss Nelson’s Arsenal career in numbers
Reiss Nelson’s career path at Arsenal could serve as a potential warning to Nwaneri and Arteta if the club don’t get his development plan in place.
That’s not to say that the winger has had a bad career with the Gunners, but there has been a feeling that so much more could’ve come from it.
Nelson has made 90 appearances for Arsenal across all competitions, bagging a few goals and assists to his name.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| 90 | 8 | 9 |
There are plenty of memorable moments in there, most notably the last-minute goal against Bournemouth.
While those are moments that will live forever, the reality is that Nelson could’ve developed much further at Arsenal.
The fact that he hasn’t, with a lack of game time, shows that Nwaneri and Arsenal need to be careful about their next steps and the plan for the years ahead.
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