Ethan Nwaneri would’ve loved what happened in Arsenal U16’s victory over Chelsea U16.
The attacking midfielder has walked every walk in Arsenal’s academy, joining the club at the age of just eight.
It only took Nwaneri seven years from that point to make his Premier League debut, being handed his first senior minutes by Mikel Arteta when he was 15.
Nwaneri signed a new contract with Arsenal last month, making his childhood dream a reality, and soon, one of his other dreams could come true.
It’s not only Ethan who is doing the Nwaneri family proud, as the 18-year-old’s younger brother, Emerson, is also on Arsenal’s books.
Emerson Nwaneri scores a hat-trick for Arsenal U16 vs Chelsea
Emerson Nwaneri plays for Arsenal’s U16 side, where he’s already experienced a similar path to his brother.
Earlier in the year, Emerson featured for Arsenal’s U18 side in a friendly setting, playing beyond his years, just as Ethan did.
The teenager is developing his craft at Hale End in the hope of following in his older brother’s footsteps, and in Arsenal U16’s latest game, he took a big step forward.
As Arsenal U16s beat Chelsea 4-3 in a dramatic London derby, Emerson took home the match ball, scoring a hat-trick in the win.
Given how early academy talents are coming through, as seen through 15-year-old Max Dowman’s involvement with the first team, it might not be long until Arsenal fans get to see more of another Nwaneri.
Ethan Nwaneri dreams of playing alongside his brother at Arsenal
For now, Emerson will enjoy the journey in Arsenal’s academy, with the end goal being the first team.
It would be remarkable for the Nwaneri family to see two sons represent the Gunners, with the scenario something that Ethan has spoken to his brother about.
In an in-depth interview for Arsenal’s official website, Nwaneri spoke highly of his brother, admitting they talk about the idea of playing together for Arsenal.
“We’re really close, but I wouldn’t say we are that similar. He’s probably more outgoing than me, he’s the loud one!
“There are three years between us, so it would be really cool if we could both play in the Arsenal first-team together one day. We’ve spoken about that a bit, and what that would be like; it’s something to aim for.”
There is no greater mentor for Emerson than his older brother, who has walked the path from the academy to the first team.
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