How Ethan Nwaneri privately feels about lack of recent game time at Arsenal, ‘his family are…’

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Ethan Nwaneri has been a talking point at Arsenal recently due to the teenager’s lack of minutes.

Mikel Arteta did not name Nwaneri in the squad to face Newcastle, despite the 18-year-old travelling with the team to St James’ Park. 

It’s been a challenging start to the season for the playmaker, who has been an unused substitute in four of Arsenal’s nine opening fixtures. 

Improving Nwaneri’s game time is clearly something that Arteta is conscious of addressing, as the Englishman was given 90 minutes in the Carabao Cup win over Port Vale. 

• READ MORE: Ethan Nwaneri names player who Mikel Arteta released for free in his dream Arsenal five-a-side team

Ethan Nwaneri is not fazed by lack of minutes at Arsenal 

90 minutes against Port Vale was Nwaneri’s first start of the season, making some wonder if the Arsenal academy product is hoping for more. 

There was a moment in the summer when Nwaneri was linked with a move away from Arsenal, but the youngster only saw his future in North London with Arteta. 

In the most recent clash against Olympiacos, the academy graduate failed to make it off the bench again, which became a talking point on social media.

Trusted Arsenal insider Hand of Arsenal took to X to respond to a post about Nwaneri and Arteta, setting the record straight about what the player is really thinking at this time.  

“The player is very happy at Arsenal and focused on helping his boyhood club win. That is an absolute fact. Many games to play,” Hand of Arsenal assured.

The Arsenal expert went on to clarify that the attacking midfielder’s family are ‘delighted’ that the teenager penned a five-year deal in the summer to commit his future to the club.

There’s no concern from the player or his family’s side regarding his slower start to the season than hoped, with Nwaneri incredibly highly rated at the Emirates.

Debut season makes things particularly difficult for Nwaneri

The discourse around Nwaneri’s minutes comes largely from how much exposure Arteta gave the 18-year-old last season.

It’s easy to forget how early the playmaker still is in his career, with his breakthrough coming as a result of a lack of options in the Arsenal squad. 

Now that Arsenal’s squad depth has improved, it’s natural that Arteta can’t hand Nwaneri the game time he had last term, with more experienced first-teamers battling for game time in his favoured role.

Nwaneri’s rise was a unique one, coming in at a time of dire need to replace Bukayo Saka, which led him back to being a fringe player once first-team options were replenished.

Things change quickly in football, but it’s assuring to learn that Nwaneri isn’t concerned about his lack of minutes right now.