Arsenal star Ethan Nwaneri is set to be impacted by the latest transfer negotiations the club have been engaged in.
Mikel Arteta handed a full breakthrough into the senior team for the Hale End academy graduate last season, which saw him feature regularly following Bukayo Saka’s injury.
It was just the start for Ethan Nwaneri, who is hoping to make himself a regular within the Arsenal team moving forward.
One of the main questions for a player of such quality has been where to play him, as the 18-year-old is capable of playing anywhere across the frontline.
As debate rages on over Nwaneri’s best position, the latest transfer move could well point to where his future will be.
- GET TO KNOW ETHAN NWANERI: Everything you need to know about Ethan Nwaneri including age, height and Arsenal record
Ethan Nwaneri is likely to play the right-winger role if Eberechi Eze joins Arsenal
Ethan Nwaneri has revealed his position as a midfielder in the past, likely to compete with Martin Odegaard for a role as the Arsenal number ten.
However, his career in the first-team so far has seen him take on a role on the right wing, following injury to Saka.
Nwaneri played on the left and as a striker for England under-21s during their Euros campaign over the summer, displaying his brilliant versatility.
First-team minutes will be desired and a position to play them in could aid his development, which is why Arsenal’s move for Eberechi Eze could change everything.
The Gunners are showing interest in the Crystal Palace star, who is likely to cover off the left-wing and attacking midfielder role.
That would only add further competition in the way of Nwaneri in those positions, meaning he is almost certain to compete for the right wing position.
Arsenal have been on the lookout for a backup right-winger to Saka this summer, but with priorities elsewhere, it makes sense to keep Nwaneri there.
It would be a slightly new position for him, given it wasn’t the one he started out in, but it is one he can make his own.
Arsenal need to show a clear pathway to Ethan Nwaneri in contract talks
If there’s one thing that Arsenal must do in the wake of these transfer moves across the frontline, it’s to show Nwaneri that he still has a pathway at the club.
Nwaneri’s contract expires next year, which puts some pressure on Andrea Berta to sort out a new long-term deal for the youngster.
That can only come with proof of a pathway, though, showing the youngster that he has a way to develop at the club.
While there have been plenty of minutes available over the past season, there is no current guarantee of those same opportunities.
As a result, there has to be a clear plan and an idea about how to get the most out of him so he can progress and reach the potential that he has.
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