Martin Odegaard sent clearest warning yet as potential Arsenal replacement wants his position

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Arsenal are hopeful of extending Ethan Nwaneri’s contract this summer.

Nwaneri’s future is uncertain after it was revealed that he is concerned over his potential pathway to the Arsenal first team.

However, Nwaneri has praised Mikel Arteta for his role in Hale End star’s development this season and stated that he ‘understood’ his lack of minutes towards the end of the campaign.

Arsenal must keep Nwaneri this summer and his latest comments would indicate that the player himself still sees a future at the Emirates Stadium – which could spell bad news for Martin Odegaard.

READ MORE: The real reason Arsenal want Thomas Partey contract decision ‘in the coming days’

Ethan Nwaneri reveals preference over Arsenal position

Speaking to the Athletic, Nwaneri has opened up on his thoughts over where he sees his future after playing a number of roles throughout the season for both club and country.

Nwaneri stated: “You can see sometimes I’m a natural midfielder, but I think if the manager wants you to play in a position, you have to do it to the best of your abilities.

“I don’t mind playing there because anywhere for the Arsenal first team I’ll be happy playing, and trying to do a good job for the team. I’ve played a false nine before a few times, actually. I think I can do a role anywhere that the manager needs me.”

Theo Walcott has warned Odegaard that his place will be under threat next season unless he can hit the ground running in terms of goal contributions.

Arsenal struggled to break down deep defences last season and Nwaneri believes he has the characteristics to overcome that problem.

Nwaneri explained: “I want to play forward. I want to be a positive player, one who affects the game, who can control the game, who scores goals. I think that’s just my game.”

Ethan Nwaneri reveals favourite moment from breakout season

The emergence of Nwaneri and fellow Arsenal academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly was a real highlight for the Gunners.

Both teenagers took on important roles for Arteta during times of adversity and produced some incredible performances, Nwaneri has singled out his goal against Manchester City as his favourite moment.

Nwaneri stated: “The goal against Man City. I knew I’d do something if I got the ball. Then Dec [Rice] luckily saw me. You don’t really think, you just do it. You think about it afterwards.”

Arteta will be aiming to claim the club’s first Premier League title since 2004 next campaign and it will be interesting to see how the development of Nwaneri is managed in his selections.

If Nwaneri continues to make an impact in terms of goals and assists and Odegaard has another ineffective campaign, a change may be imminent.