Arsenal youngster signs first professional contract after turning down Manchester City and Chelsea

Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri has signed his first professional contract with the club.

Nwaneri recently turned 17 allowing him to sign professional terms for the first time, with several Premier League heavyweights including Manchester City and Chelsea interested in signing him.

The starlet made his senior debut for Mikel Arteta's side against Brentford last season aged just 15 - becoming the youngest-ever player to appear in the English top-flight.

“I’m delighted to have finally got to this stage after all the hard work over so many years,” he said. “It’s a proud moment for me and my family to finally be here, so I’m happy and ready to keep working.

“It was the dream to get to this stage. I’ve always thought about when this day would come and I’ve been looking forward to it, so I’m happy it’s finally here. I didn’t have to think about it - this is my family and it feels like home here. Everyone’s like a family together and they care about everyone. It feels so special to me here. 

"All the people around me have helped me get better as a person, and definitely helped me develop as a player on the pitch. The opportunities from Mikel, all the under-21 coaches, under-18s coaches - they’ve all helped me develop so I’m grateful to them.”

LondonWorld understands Nwaneri is expected to sign another extension when he turns 18, with the likes of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe all serving as inspiration for the midfielder to follow in their footsteps.

“I want to keep pushing towards the first-team, gain as much experience as I can from the players in the first-team, and score as many goals as I can in whatever game I’m playing in and just keep pushing. I’m just going to keep working and do my best when I get opportunities given.”