Ethan Nwaneri is on the right path to making his breakthrough at Arsenal, with Mikel Arteta being a long-term admirer.
Arsenal are in action on Wednesday night in the Carabao Cup against Bolton, giving Arteta the chance to rotate his squad.
The cup tie at the Emirates could present an opportunity for several academy talents, with Nwaneri being one of the favourites to make a start against the League One outfit.
Arteta has shown great trust in the 17-year-old this season, removing him from the academy setting to be a firm part of Arsenal’s senior squad.
Mikel Arteta made an instant call on Ethan Nwaneri at Arsenal
Nwaneri has made the bench of all of Arsenal’s Premier League fixtures this season and even secured minutes against Tottenham in the North London derby.
The attacking midfielder captured the attention of many with his cameo against Spurs, showing a fearless yet conscious edge when introduced to the high-energy clash.
Arteta clearly thinks very highly of the teenager, with a new admission revealing exactly when the Spaniard first noticed the prospect’s talent.
- READ MORE: Arsenal scout explains what ‘impresses him the most’ about Ethan Nwaneri, he’s ‘destined’ to succeed
Speaking to Football London, Arsenal’s former U16 coach Dan Micciche recalled the moment that Arteta first enquired about Nwaneri’s development.
Arteta is said to have ‘summoned’ Micciche to his office after hearing from Edu about the midfielder who had been playing in the U16 squad as a 12-year-old.
During his first week as Arsenal manager, Arteta said to Micciche, “I hear you’ve got a player for me…” and instructed the youth coach to present him with a video compilation of the youngster.
It’s remarkable to learn just how early into his Arsenal tenure Arteta was alerted to Nwaneri’s ability, with it now clear why the boss has fast-tracked the playmaker’s journey to the first team.
Nwaneri set for a decisive season
In 2022, Arteta rewarded Nwaneri with his Premier League debut, seeing the teen become the youngest-ever debutant in the league at just 15 years and 181 days old.
Since then, the 17-year-old has made two further appearances for the Gunners, as well as committing his future to Arteta’s project by penning a senior contract.
Despite taking Nwaneri away from the academy setting this season, the manager has managed the youngster’s journey so far in a promising manner, with the teenager having an impressive 2023/24 calendar with the U21s.
In a total of 28 appearances last term, the Hale End product contributed to 16 goals, scoring 11 and assisting five from attacking midfield.
It’s set to be a promising season ahead for Nwaneri based on how the campaign has started for him around the first team, with Arteta seemingly ready to hand him the platform for a breakthrough.
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