With a post on their official Instagram account, Premier League giants Arsenal have confirmed that teenage Nigeria-eligible midfielders Emerson Nwaneri and Mishel Nduka have agreed new deals with the club ahead of next season.

Nwaneri and Nduka will be among Arsenal's intake of academy scholars for the 2026-2027 campaign.

As per Premier League rules, all players in their U17 year are required to start the 2025-2026 season on a scholarship agreement, before they are permitted to sign a first professional football contract on or after their 17th birthday.

Earlier this week, the Gunners welcomed the U14, U15, and U16 players who featured or were selected in the matchday squads for this season’s UEFA Youth League for the first time.

Academy Manager Per Mertesacker and Head of Academy Coaching Luke Hobbs presented Nwaneri, Nduka and four other teenagers with a shirt as they were introduced onto the pitch.

In September 2025, Nduka ended his eight-year association with Charlton Athletic by signing a schoolboy deal with Arsenal. T

he 2010-born player has played above his age group since joining Hale End, making his debuts in the U18 Premier League, Premier League 2 and UEFA Youth League.

Emerson Nwaneri, the younger brother of Nigeria Football Federation target Ethan Nwaneri, also made his debuts in the U18 Premier League, Premier League 2 and UEFA Youth League this season.

Emerson and Nduka have both been called up to England's youth team training camps in the past. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel