What Mikel Arteta said to Ethan Nwaneri in contract talks to convince him to stay at Arsenal

Ethan Nwaneri has now agreed a deal in principle to stay at Arsenal until 2030, TBR Football understands.

In his breakthrough season at Arsenal, 18-year-old Ethan Nwaneri made 37 appearances under Mikel Arteta, playing in a variety of roles.

Nwaneri predominantly played out wide on the right to deputise for the injured Bukayo Saka.

But the England U21 international also played in a central number 10 role at times in place of Martin Odegaard, who also spent a period on the sidelines.

But on the back of the youngster’s promising start in Arteta’s first team, Arsenal have been concerned about Nwaneri’s contract situation of late.

However, the Gunners have now made an important breakthrough in that regard, and it’s partly down to Arteta.

Mikel Arteta was crucial in Ethan Nwaneri contract renewal

On the back of Arsenal’s progress in agreeing a new deal with Nwaneri, TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has now provided further insight into the situation.

Nwaneri was never unhappy at the club, rather, he just had concerns about his role and future opportunities in the team.

And that’s perhaps why Arteta stepped in, who was crucial in reassuring Nwaneri that he does have a future mapped out at Arsenal.

Bailey explained: “Mikel Arteta has personally been part of the talks with Nwaneri and his family.

“The deal and financials were never an issue, but once the club’s previous offers were turned down – that’s when Arteta became involved.

Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

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“Arteta and the club have made sure that Nwaneri’s future has been mapped out, it includes game time and his role.

“I am told they have confirmed to him that they do see him not just as a winger, but the ability to play in an attacking midfield role – which he himself wants to explore and they too believe that could be his future.

“It is this that has seemingly convinced Nwaneri – who was never unhappy at the club, just he had genuine concerns about his role.”

Mikel Arteta has already explained what he loves about Ethan Nwaneri

Speaking last January, Arteta made it clear that he was loving working with a player of Nwaneri’s talent and attitude.

Nwaneri had just started his first Champions League match for Arsenal and scored against Girona in a 2-1 win.

And Arteta was full of praise for the youngster, who was 17 at the time. He said: “That’s what we love about him – he’s very aggressive. Before that [goal], he had another action where he made the right choice, he went for it.

“He never [looks nervous], he’s so composed, calm and confident in his ability. At 17, scoring a really important goal in the Champions League is not very common.”

A superb young talent, and one that Arsenal will be delighted to keep at the club.

That being said, Nwaneri delivered some exciting praise for Max Dowman recently, the next Hale End youngster who will follow in his example.

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