Mikel Arteta makes Ethan Nwaneri admission as Hale End wonderkid looks to cement first-team role

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal starlet Ethan Nwaneri shone again in another pre-season start with the first-team as his side beat Manchester United 2-1.

The teenager played for the first 45 minutes and impressed as he assisted a goal for Gabriel Jesus, and Arsenal fans are now convinced that Nwaneri is ready for competitive first-team action.

Mikel Arteta made Nwaneri the youngest player in Premier League history two years ago, and also gave him a substitute appearance in a 6-0 victory at West Ham last season.

Nwaneri is developing superbly, and the 17-year-old is reaching a level where he is ready for first-team action rather than continuing youth level football, but he still has some work to do, as Arteta has outlined a plan for him to keep his place alongside Martin Odegaard.

Mikel Arteta challenges Ethan Nwaneri to keep Arsenal first-team place

Speaking after the victory against Man United, Arteta outlined what Nwaneri has to do to ensure he receives more first-team opportunities.

“It’s always in the hands of the players, so show what you can do. Show that ambition, that determination, that quality and things will happen naturally,” Arteta stated of Nwaneri.

“Tomorrow he’s going to train with us again and if he continues to play like that he’s going to play some minutes on Wednesday for sure.”

Ethan Nwaneri is ready for Arsenal first-team action

Despite his young age, Nwaneri looked completely comfortable in the Arsenal midfield, and he is now ready for more opportunities in the Premier League.

He is the same age as Cesc Fabregas was when the Spaniard forced his way into the Arsenal midfield, capitalising on opportunities gained when Patrick Vieira picked up an injury, and made himself undroppable.

If Nwaneri is given chances early on in the season, he could prove to be like a new signing with his quality, but he will face stiff competition as Arsenal pursue a deal for Mikel Merino.

The Arsenal youngster has shown that Arteta is willing to give opportunities to those who deserve them, and if Nwaneri is able to keep performing well, he will continue to feature at first-team level.