Arsenal are trying to finish their season with a flourish away at Southampton.
Mikel Arteta made several changes to his starting line-up as Oleksandr Zinchenko and Raheem Sterling made rare starts.
Arsenal fans were pleased with Declan Rice’s captaincy as Martin Odegaard dropped to the bench alongside Bukayo Saka.
Ben White’s cross was turned in by Kieran Tierney on his final appearance for the club just before half time and supporters have all been discussing Ethan Nwaneri’s display amid uncertainty over his Arsenal future.
Arsenal fans react to Ethan Nwaneri’s display v Southampton
Arsenal fans have taken to X to react to the first half display of Hale End star Nwaneri and it is clear that the supporters are desperate for the youngster to sign a new deal at the club.
One fan wrote: “Ethan Nwaneri is so good in tight areas. This is a player who needs to play in midfield.”
Another fan wrote: “I’m begging Arteta and Berta don’t fumble this Nwaneri contract, the kid is so special.”
One Gunners supporter is desperate to see Nwaneri play on the same side as Saka, they wrote: “Should get Saka in for the last 30 to see how him and Nwaneri play together.”
Arsenal cannot afford to lose Ethan Nwaneri to Premier League rivals
Nwaneri’s Arsenal future is uncertain after several Premier League clubs have been alerted to his contract talks stumbling at the club.
Andrea Berta remains relaxed that the young star will sign a new deal but there are concerns over his pathway to the first-team after spending much of the end of season run-in on the bench.
It would be a monumental blow to lose such a talent should Nwaneri decide not to renew his contract, especially a player that has come all the way through the ranks.
However, his start in the final match of the season in his favoured number ten position may be a sign from Arteta that he is ready to trust Nwaneri more next season.
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