Ethan Nwaneri made a request to Mikel Arteta after not getting chances at Arsenal and it was granted

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Ethan Nwaneri has struggled for game time at Arsenal this season.

The teenager, who is the youngest player to ever play in the Premier League, signed a new contract in August, and his aim would’ve been to play a lot this season.

However, Nwaneri has started just three games in all competitions so far – none of which have come in the Premier League.

So, the 18-year-old approached Mikel Arteta to request more minutes, and his wish was granted.

Mikel Arteta allowed Ethan Nwaneri to play in a friendly after lack of minutes

Arsenal signed eight new players in the summer transfer window, and the competition for places in the squad has increased massively as a result.

Ethan Nwaneri is a gem of a player, but the Hale End graduate plays in the same position as Eberechi Eze and Martin Odegaard.

His other position, the right wing, has been occupied by Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke. Young Max Dowman has also got a few minutes there.

Worried about his game time, Nwaneri sought permission from Arteta to play in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Thursday, Standard Sport’s Simons Collings has revealed on X.

The Arsenal manager allowed him to play in the game, which also saw Gabriel Jesus get some game time under his belt.

“It (the friendly) did happen. Gabi [Jesus] participated, and Ethan [Nwaneri] as well, because he wanted some minutes,” Arteta confirmed to the media, as per Arsenal.com.

“We took the opportunity; they wanted a bit of exposure to competition, and providing that was very positive.”

Should Arsenal send Ethan Nwaneri out on loan in January?

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Arsenal have the perfect opportunity to give Ethan Nwaneri more game time

It must be frustrating for Nwaneri to start most games on the bench this season. After signing his new Arsenal contract, he surely would’ve dreamt of playing more.

Arteta was right to give the youngster some minutes in the friendly, but it’s now time to use him in competitive games.

Arsenal have had a perfect start in the Champions League, winning each of their first five games. Two of their next three fixtures in the competition are against Club Brugge and FC Kairat.

The two teams have struggled in Europe, conceding a combined 27 goals and winning just one game so far this term.

Nwaneri should start in both of those fixtures, and we expect him to be selected for the Carabao Cup quarter-final clash against Crystal Palace as well.