3 reasons why a new Ethan Nwaneri contract is crucial business for Arsenal

Reports claim Arsenal are ready to offer a lucrative new contract to Ethan Nwaneri in order to secure the youngster's long-term future.

The Gunners are said to be offering a reported £60,000-a-week to the Hale End graduate, which would see him become the Premier League's third highest paid teenager behind Leny Yoro and Archie Gray of Manchester United and Tottenham respectively.

It is certainly a brave decision to hand the 17-year-old a new deal with these terms but this is in fact crucial business for Arsenal. There are three reasons why this is the case.

1. Tying down a great talent

There is no doubting Ethan Nwaneri's ability and by offering him a new deal, Arsenal are certainly tying down a great talent. It means the Gunners can keep hold of him for the foreseeable future.

As has been the case in the past, rival clubs will no longer be watching over like vultures ready to strike, allowing Arsenal the chance to develop Nwaneri as a player and oversee his progress. The club could also loan him out if needed without fear of an expiring contract looming over his return.

A new deal also shows that Mikel Arteta has genuine faith in him and actually views him as a massively talented player. A long-term contract and £60k-a-week isn't just given to any academy graduate.

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