Arsenal starlet Ethan Nwaneri, 17 set to sign his first professional contract next week… with the highly-rated midfielder being mentored by captain Martin Odegaard

The Premier League’s youngest-ever player Ethan Nwaneri is set to sign his first professional contract with Arsenal next week upon returning from England Under 17 duty, Mail Sport can reveal.

The midfielder, who is one of Arsenal’s most promising prospects, turned 17 on Thursday which makes him eligible to sign professional terms. 

The Gunners have previously had to ward off interest from both Chelsea and Manchester City.

Mail Sport understands that the deal will be between two and three years. It is believed that informal discussions have already been had as to signing an improved deal upon his 18th birthday.

Nwaneri made his Premier League debut on 18 September 2022 against Brentford at the age of 15 years and 181 days, becoming the youngest player to appear in the top flight of English football.

Nwaneri made his Premier League debut for Arsenal at the age of 15 years and 181 days

This season he came off the bench to feature in Arsenal’s 6-0 thrashing of West Ham in the league last month.

Nwaneri is highly touted at the north London club and is said to be mentored by captain Martin Odegaard.

In 2022, ex-Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand compared Nwaneri’s talent at his age to Man City star Phil Foden.

‘There’s no doubting this kid’s ability,’ speaking on his YouTube channel.

‘I’ve heard from coaches that are at the club and from various different people in the game at that level that there aren’t many 15-year-olds in the last 10 or so years that have got the ability that this guy’s shown on a consistent basis.

‘We are talking the Fodens of this world. At 15 he’s at a similar level, they’re talking.’