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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Nwaneri has been a revelation for Arsenal</li><li>Will have a new shirt number next season</li><li>A new contract is also in the pipeline</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Ethan Nwaneri rewarded! Arsenal wonderkid set to be handed new shirt number after breakout season for the Gunners

<p>Following an impressive campaign that has firmly established him as one of the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/arsenal-player-ratings-vs-psv-ethan-nwaneri-martin-odegaard/blte24c152fd44d4019" target="_blank">most exciting young prospects</a> in English football, the 18-year-old is expected to receive a new squad number for the upcoming season. According to <a href="https://charleswatts.football/news/arsenal-squad-number-changes-for-2025-26-good-injury-news-for-once/" target="_blank"><em>Charles Watts</em></a><em>, </em>Nwaneri, currently wearing No.53, will inherit the No.22 shirt, which will be vacated by goalkeeper David Raya.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Raya, who joined Arsenal on loan from Brentford before securing a permanent transfer last year, has worn the 22 jersey during his first season with the North London side. However, the Spanish shot-stopper is now set to switch to the traditional No.1 shirt, reflecting his status as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper. This number reshuffling provides Nwaneri with a more prominent squad number, often associated with established first-team players, and signifies his transition from <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/chelsea-loss-arsenal-gain-best-friends-myles-lewis-skelly-ethan-nwaneri-gunners-england-future/bltd72673f0c87c46f6" target="_blank">academy prospect to key squad member.</a></p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Nwaneri was promoted permanently to the first-team setup alongside close friend and fellow academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly prior to the 2024–25 campaign. However, it was the absence of Bukayo Saka, who was <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/bukayo-saka-injury-arsenal-hamstring/blt685635171124eea4" target="_blank">sidelined with injury in December</a>, that opened the door for more consistent appearances. The young playmaker has not wasted the opportunity. With a series of mature performances, he has impressed both coaches and fans alike, delivering nine goals and providing two assists across all competitions so far this season.</p>

TELL ME MORE

<p>Nwaneri’s development on the pitch is set to be matched by progress off it. Reports indicate that <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/arsenal-ethan-nwaneri-new-contract-gunners-transfer-interest-premier-league/blta3e76a4ef9c2475e" target="_blank">Arsenal are close to securing the teenager’s long-term future</a> with a new five-year contract that would keep him at the Emirates Stadium until at least 2030.</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>Nwaneri’s trajectory is another sign of Arsenal’s long-term strategy to build around a core of talented, homegrown players. Mikel Arteta and the club’s recruitment team have made it a priority to promote youth where possible, and the success of Nwaneri, Lewis-Skelly, and others, underlines the strength of the club’s Hale End academy.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR NWANERI?

Ethan Nwaneri rewarded! Arsenal wonderkid set to be handed new shirt number after breakout season for the Gunners | Goal.com

Ethan Nwaneri is reportedly set to be handed a new shirt number after his breakout season for the Gunners.