Arsenal star Ethan Nwaneri is facing an uncertain future at the club, but those concerns could come to an end soon.
The Hale End academy graduate has been a regular in the side over the past few months, but with just one year remaining on his contract, there are doubts over his future.
Arsenal have held contract talks with Nwaneri, with the main sticking point coming from the number of minutes he could receive.
While Chelsea have transfer interest in Nwaneri, there could be an end in sight for the debacle soon in a potential boost to the Gunners.
Recent reports have suggested Arsenal are optimistic in agreeing a new deal with the 18-year-old, which would see him land a long-term stay at the club.
That would have quite the knock-on effect at the Emirates Stadium, so with that said, here’s a look at the winners and losers from Ethan Nwaneri landing a new contract.
Winners from Ethan Nwaneri’s new contract at Arsenal
Bukayo Saka
Arsenal fans have been screaming for a rotation option on the right for some time, given the number of minutes Bukayo Saka has racked up.
In Nwaneri, the Gunners have just that, as the star is more than capable when playing on the right flank for the side.
The 18-year-old was impressive when asked to play in Saka’s absence last season, despite being more of a midfielder, landing something of a trademark finish with his cut-in before launching a shot off with his left foot.
Given the serious injury to Saka last season, any help to take some of the workload away is good news for him and for Arsenal.
Myles Lewis-Skelly
Coming through the academy setup together, both Myles Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri have quite a friendship.
Both made quite the impact over the past season, and given that connection, any contract extension for the latter would come as quite the boost to the former.
Andrea Berta
Perhaps one of the biggest winners from this deal could be sporting director Andrea Berta.
The Italian chief has been proactive in getting contracts and transfers sorted, but Nwaneri may be one of the more important ones that he seals.
The youngster could end up saving Arsenal millions in the long run, while there is also something to be said about winning over the fans by getting the deal done.
Losers from Ethan Nwaneri’s new contract at Arsenal
Martin Odegaard
Martin Odegaard is off the back of a difficult season at Arsenal, where he struggled to hit his best form for the side.
The Norwegian international could face a real threat to his position if he is unable to pick that form up, with Nwaneri likely to challenge him there.
Reiss Nelson
Reiss Nelson’s future is uncertain, with the winger coming off the back of an injury-interrupted campaign on loan at Fulham.
The Arsenal star has two years remaining on his contract, and a new deal for Nwaneri could all but confirm his future will lie elsewhere.
Fabio Vieira
As for Fabio Vieira, he is in a similar situation to Nelson, where his future at Arsenal seems to be facing the exit door.
Nwaneri takes up his two positions, in attacking midfield and on the right flank, which could point towards a confirmed move away.
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