With the Premier League season now underway, Arsenal are off to a winning start as they aim to lift the title next May.
After three consecutive seasons of finishing as the runners-up, the Gunners will want to make sure it won’t be a fourth in the months ahead.
Several changes have taken place, with Arsenal’s summer transfer business including a revamped forward line, midfield and defensive base.
Despite that, former West Ham star Michail Antonio thinks that it’s a star who was at Arsenal last season who could be a “surprise package” this year.
Michail Antonio pinpoints Arsenal star Ethan Nwaneri as Premier League surprise package this season
With such a long season ahead, there are plenty of predictions made over the Premier League campaign that can change through the months.
Many, perhaps, didn’t foresee a breakthrough for Hale End academy duo Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri last season.
However, fast forward to August 2025, and both are key players who have committed their future to the club with new contracts.
With that in mind, Michail Antonio believes that Nwaneri can be a standout this season, even with the new signings in forward areas.
Speaking to TNT Sports on TikTok, the former West Ham man was asked for the “surprise package” of the season, to which he said: “I’m gonna go Nwaneri.
“I feel obviously last year he didn’t get as much opportunities as I felt he should have, but I think he’s going to have a breakthrough season this year.”
It may be a bold call, given the amount of attacking talent at Mikel Arteta’s disposal this season, but the new contract for Nwaneri has shown there is some faith placed in him.
The youngster himself has also already said why he can fulfil that potential to be a key player this campaign.
Ethan Nwaneri’s versatility will help with Arsenal breakthrough problem
This season could be an important one for Nwaneri, as he is with the senior squad right from the very start of the campaign.
The 18-year-old had to wait for his breakthrough last season, getting a chance once Bukayo Saka got injured.
This time around, there is extra competition as Noni Madueke joins Arsenal in the wide ranks and Viktor Gyokeres is now up front.
Fortunately for Nwaneri, he is particularly adaptable, something he explained himself after signing a new contract.
He told the official Arsenal website: “I’m a very versatile player, so I think I’m going to play anywhere across the front five, and I’m ready to do what the manager needs.”
“I’ve had to adapt to the demands of the Premier League, so I think I’ve changed physically, but also mentally as well in terms of dealing with setbacks and injuries,” he added. “I think I’ve definitely become stronger.
“I think I’ve actually become more direct over the past few years, and I’ve added more goals, so I’m excited for what will come next.”
That versatility will gain him those opportunities in all sorts of positions, especially with the number of games during the season.
It remains to be seen just how well he will do, but Nwaneri can certainly hit the heights with the right conditions.
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