“He’s Shown His Quality on the Big Stage!” – Arsène Wenger Urges Arteta to Act Fast and Secure This Star with a 7-Year Deal Before Rivals Pounce
In a bold and passionate statement that’s already ignited conversations across North London and beyond, legendary former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger has urged current boss Mikel Arteta and the club’s hierarchy to act swiftly and decisively. His message is loud and clear: lock this player down to a long-term deal — before the vultures start to circle. And while many assumed Wenger was referring to Thomas Partey, that’s not the name on his lips.
“He’s shown his quality on the big stage! Arteta and the board must move quickly to offer him a 7-year deal before top clubs try to snap him up,” Wenger said in an exclusive interview this weekend.
The man in question? Arsenal’s rising midfield sensation — 20-year-old Ethan Nwaneri.
Yes, the same Ethan Nwaneri who made headlines at just 15 years old by becoming the youngest ever Premier League player. Since then, he’s been nurtured quietly behind the scenes, but this season, he’s burst onto the scene with confidence, composure, and creativity beyond his years. And after a string of eye-catching performances with the U21s and increasingly regular training sessions with the first team, it seems the time has come for Arsenal to make a statement of intent.
Wenger, who has always been known for his sharp eye for youth talent — think Fabregas, Wilshere, and Van Persie — believes Nwaneri’s potential ceiling is “world-class,” and insists that locking him down now is not just smart business, but a statement of ambition.
“When a young player shows not just talent, but maturity, bravery and intelligence in tight spaces — especially under pressure — that’s when you know you have something special,” Wenger continued. “There will be interest. Clubs across Europe are watching. And if Arsenal are serious about competing for titles next season and beyond, this is a player they must secure now.”
While Nwaneri has yet to cement himself as a guaranteed starter, insiders at London Colney claim that Arteta sees him as a long-term pillar of Arsenal’s midfield — someone who can evolve into a hybrid between a box-to-box dynamo and a playmaking engine, similar to the likes of Jude Bellingham or Jamal Musiala.
But in today’s football climate, potential is a hot commodity — and Premier League giants, Bundesliga scouts, and Serie A suitors are all said to be monitoring his situation closely. A long-term contract would not only fend off growing interest but also send a strong message to fans and rivals: Arsenal is building for the future — and their best young talents are staying put.
Sources close to the Emirates suggest that preliminary talks have already begun between the club and Nwaneri’s representatives, but no agreement has been finalized. Wenger’s public endorsement now piles pressure on the board to accelerate the process — especially as Arteta continues to juggle the pressures of a tight title race with Manchester City and Liverpool.
In a squad already brimming with young, dynamic talent — from Bukayo Saka to Martin Ødegaard — Nwaneri could represent the next jewel in Arsenal’s crown. But only if the club acts now.
As Wenger’s warning echoes through the red half of North London, the message is unmistakable: if you don’t move fast, someone else will.