ETHAN NWANERI has been lined up for a huge pay rise after Arsenal opened talks over a new contract for the teen sensation.
is enjoying an explosive breakthroughseason after stepping in following injuries to ‘ main attackers.
The Under-21 star's current deal runs until the end of next season.
But the BBC say Arsenal have “initiatedcontact” with the 18-year-old's representatives on extendinghis stay.
New sporting director, as well as manager , is keen to tie down the Gunners' hottest prospects.
And with the possible exception of left-back , Nwaneri is surely at the top of that list.
It's understood no official contract offer has yet been made to Nwaneri.
But there are unlikely to be any obstacles to the academy product agreeing a long-term deal and landing a huge wage increase.
Formal negotiations with the Londoners' representatives are expected to start in the nextfew weeks.
Nwaneri signed his first professional deal – until 2026 – when he was still a Gunners' youth player.
That means his next contract is certain to be far bigger.
Nwaneri has amassed 31 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions this term.
And during his 21 Premier League games this campaign, he's notched three goals and two assists.
However, he remained on thebench in Tuesday night's over .
Instead, the same-aged Lewis-Skelly was a stand-outperformer – although was Arsenal's clear star man,with.
Nonetheless, Nwaneri has played more often this campaign than possibly even he would have hoped.
Admittedly he's profited from and getting crocked, plus the injuries of wingers and , who are both now fit again.
Saka is tipped for talks on extending his contract beyond 2027.
The Gunners also want new deals for first-choice centre-backs and.
