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Ethan Nwaneri's reported contract renewal is expected to reduce Arsenal's need to sign an attacking midfielder this summer, according to the Athletic.
The youngster is said to have signed a new deal with the Gunners last week, meaning he will stay at his boyhood club until 2030. There had been some fears that the Hale End graduate wouldn't put pen to paper on fresh terms due to concerns over playing time, but they have now been eradicated.
With Nwaneri's future committed to Arsenal, the club's need to bring an attacking midfielder to north London during the transfer window is said to have been reduced, which may actually be the right decision.
Ethan Nwaneri's new contract reduces Arsenal's need for new midfielder
Arsenal have shown interest in signing Eberechi Eze throughout the summer with recent reports claiming they have also explored Xavi Simons' situation. Both are viewed as targets to fulfil the club's desire to sign a new attacking midfielder, with the former a primary option, but Nwaneri's new deal has the potential to cool that interest.
While it would be great to see the Gunners sign one of Eze or Simons, it's not too hard to understand why Nwaneri's practically confirmed future at the club means they will be reducing their need to target the pair.
While the youngster has signed his new deal amid disputed reports of playing time concerns, he is still likely to be wanting guaranteed minutes. If another midfielder is brought to the club, those chances will decrease even further.
Nwaneri found success when standing in for Saka on the right wing last season, but the recent signing of Noni Madueke means his minutes will likely come in the number eight or 10 positions. He will already have to fight hard for chances, let alone if Eze or Simons are added to the squad.
Multiple reports have claimed Arsenal are still interested in Eze while Simons is linked heavily with a move to Chelsea so there is potential they could still target a deal. No one would complain about signing Eze, so long as it doesn't affect Nwaneri's playing time.
Mikel Arteta needs as much depth as possible next season and Eze would add plenty of quality along with Nwaneri and other midfielders. There's no saying that the two couldn't be part of the squad simultaneously, but for the time being, it seems as if the Gunners' need for a new midfielder has been reduced.