Arsenal Set To Secure Teenage Talents Ethan Nwaneri And Myles Lewis-Skelly In New Long-Term Deals

Arsenal are poised to take a significant step towards safeguarding their future, as negotiations gather pace on fresh long-term contracts for prodigious academy graduates Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly. The promising duo have made notable contributions throughout the season, prompting the club to accelerate talks and reward their rapid progress — a move underscoring the Gunners’ commitment to nurturing homegrown talent.

Securing the signatures of these teenagers has become a strategic priority for Arsenal, especially under the keen direction of newly appointed sporting director Andrea Berta. Both Nwaneri’s and Lewis-Skelly’s current deals are approaching expiry within the next year, meaning swift action is imperative to avoid losing two of English football’s most exciting prospects to European rivals. Indeed, reports suggest clubs like Real Madrid have shown an interest, making Arsenal’s mission even more vital.

Last month, Fabrizio Romano revealed that formal talks began in February, and recent updates indicate that contract proposals are ready, with the club confident of completion imminently. According to sources, the lucrative new offers include substantial salary increases that reflect each player’s elevated status. Considering Nwaneri’s current professional deal stems from his academy days, the bump in pay will be a natural progression as he cements his place within the first-team setup.

Nwaneri—who famously became the Premier League’s youngest ever player at just 15 years and 181 days old back in 2022—has already racked up 31 appearances this season. Despite fierce competition and the return of seasoned stars like Bukayo Saka from injury, the now-18-year-old has continued to earn starts in Premier League fixtures, demonstrating maturity beyond his years and a penchant for impactful attacking play. Impressively, during his limited minutes, he’s averaged a goal involvement approximately every 142 minutes—well surpassing Saka’s breakthrough season ratio, which stood at roughly a goal contribution every 292 minutes. This sharp trajectory highlights his promise and potential influence on Arsenal’s future fortunes.

Meanwhile, Myles Lewis-Skelly’s ascent has been no less remarkable. Initially regarded as a midfielder, Lewis-Skelly made his debut just last September but swiftly transformed into a defensive stalwart at left-back. His composed 90-minute performance in Arsenal’s emphatic 3-0 Champions League victory over Real Madrid—going toe-to-toe with luminaries such as Kylian Mbappé, Rodrygo and Valverde—earned glowing praise from pundits. Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher even likened his swagger and self-belief at such a tender age to a young Jude Bellingham or Wayne Rooney, saying, “He’s very, very special… he takes responsibility with no fear, like he’s 26 and been playing all his life.”

Their journeys are peppered with moments of promise and lessons alike; Lewis-Skelly has faced the harsh realities of elite football, such as early red cards at West Ham and Wolves. Yet these experiences seem only to have catalysed his development, as evidenced by his recent solid displays and international recognition with England.

The duo’s prominence coincides with a wider project at the Emirates to tie down rising stars and key figures alike. Talks are reportedly advanced with Bukayo Saka for an extension beyond 2027, while long-term futures for mainstays William Saliba and Gabriel are under active discussion amid a bid to maintain squad continuity.

In a time of fierce competition in European football, Arsenal’s internal focus on talent consolidation rather than just high-profile acquisitions is refreshing — and strategically astute. Beyond their on-pitch impact, Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly embody the club’s academy ideals, blending flair with resilience. Their imminent deals symbolise both reward for past performances and faith in their potential to become cornerstones of Mikel Arteta’s ambitious project.

The coming weeks promise decisive developments, with Arsenal hopeful the duo will ink their new contracts well before the summer window intensifies. For supporters, watching two local talents blossom into first-team regulars offers not just hope for silverware, but pride in a club investing deeply in its own. Whether these teenagers will lead Arsenal into a new era remains to be seen, but their rapid rise has certainly captured the imagination.

Do you think Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly can carve out legendary careers at the Emirates? What other academy talents should Arsenal prioritise next? Share your opinions and join the conversation below.

• Andrea Berta
• Ethan Nwaneri
• Myles Lewis-Skelly