Arsenal have confirmed Ethan Nwaneri, the youngest player in Premier League history, has snubbed interest from Chelsea and Manchester City to commit his future to the club.
Nwaneri is one of 13 new scholars to be announced by Arsenal.
He became the youngest player ever in the Premier League in September, when he made his Arsenal debut against Brentford aged 15 years and 181 days.
Nwaneri has signed scholarship forms with Arsenal and agreed a professional deal when he turns 17 in March 2024.
Fellow England youth international Myles Lewis-Skelly has also signed scholarship forms with Arsenal.
Nwaneri’s schoolboy registration had been due to expire on June 30 and the England youth international attracted interest from Chelsea and Manchester City.
He and the 12 other scholars will train at London Colney for the next two seasons after finishing their time at the academy in Hale End.
Their development will be led by Arsenal Under-18 head coach Jack Wilshere, head of academy coaching Luke Hobbs and academy manager Per Mertesacker. Sporting director Edu will provide overall support as they progress through the ranks.
“A huge congratulations to all of our new first year scholars,” said Mertesacker.
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“This is the next step in their exciting journey and I’m personally looking forward to witnessing their continued progression with us.
“As they start this new chapter, our Academy colleagues will continue to work alongside each player to support and guide whenever they need us.
“We want to make them not only the best footballers they can be, but also the best people that they can be, and develop them all into Strong Young Gunners.
“This is a really promising group of players and we all look forward to seeing their continued development with us.”
Full list of Arsenal’s scholars who will be joining them ahead of the 2023-24 season: Bless Akolbire, Jakai Bascoe-Fisher, Dan Casey, Reece Clairmont, Louie Copley, Ayden Heaven, Cam’ron Ismail, Max Kuczynski, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri, Daniel Oyetunde, Zac Shuaib and Will Sweet.
