Arsenal star Ethan Nwaneri has broken through into the senior team, but now it’s a question of where he will fit best.
There is no doubt about the quality and potential of the Arsenal academy graduate, who has taken the first team by storm over the past season.
However, where Mikel Arteta does have questions he needs to answer about Ethan Nwaneri is the future position of the star.
Capable of playing anywhere in the frontline, the Arsenal boss has suggested a change from the usual right-wing position he has mostly featured in.
That, however, could prove to be a mistake that he needs to think twice about.
Ethan Nwaneri must hold down a position on Arsenal’s right wing
Arsenal star Ethan Nwaneri has been tipped to play anywhere across the frontline, given his sheer abundance of quality.
Recent matches saw Nwaneri play on the left wing for England under-21s, with manager Lee Carsley praising the youngster’s ability to hold the width.
Not only that, but there has been some suggestion that the 18-year-old could be the option to rotate with Martin Odegaard in the number ten position.
- GET TO KNOW ETHAN NWANERI: Everything you need to know about Ethan Nwaneri including age, height and Arsenal record
However, Arteta must think again on that and look to use Nwaneri as the right-wing option to challenge Bukayo Saka.
While it may be tough for minutes to start with, it’s clear that Saka needs some competition on that side, as well as some rest on occasions.
Nwaneri can then be eased in, without heavy expectation to produce top performances every week, but with the freedom to be a game-changer.
The star looks the most dangerous on that right flank, mainly because of his ability to go both outside and inside the opposition full-back.
Add to that a trademark move he is developing, where he cuts inside on his left before curling an effort towards the far post, and it’s clear that the right is his best option.
While Nwaneri struggled for England under-21s against Germany on the right, the match did display exactly what he can do on the right.
On a few occasions, he found the space to cause problems, even working a few shooting angles, but it just wasn’t quite enough to get the goal he needed.
Ethan Nwaneri’s position could be key to Arsenal contract talks
One reason as to why it’s key that Arsenal figure out where Nwaneri plays is down to having a plan for his future.
The 18-year-old’s contract is up for renewal, and he will be keen to know what sort of future the club envisage for him.
Arsenal have been in contract talks with Nwaneri since Andrea Berta arrived at the club, showing the work that is being done to secure the future of one of their most talented options.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| 37 | 9 | 2 |
Having worked his way into the team over 2024/25, the new 2025/26 season will provide an opportunity to make an instant impact.
If Arsenal can show that line of development, it could help in those negotiations to keep him for the campaign and beyond.
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