A round-up of the latest Arsenal news as Mikel Arteta provides an update on Bukayo Saka’s chances of facing Manchester City and David Ornstein questions one transfer.
Per Mertesacker thinks Arsenal academy talent Ethan Nwaneri can ‘dominate possession’
Academy manager Per Mertesacker says Arsenal are ‘extremely proud’ after Ethan Nwaneri signed his first professional contract. The 17-year-old put pen to paper on senior terms with the Emirates Stadium natives on Thursday after the Gunners fought to retain the midfielder.
Chelsea and Manchester City both chased Nwaneri but Arsenal offered lucrative terms for a player his age. According to the Evening Standard, the north London giants also mapped out his future in Arteta’s first-team. The midfielder has so far made just two senior appearances.
Arteta made Nwaneri the youngest player in Premier League history with his debut aged 15 years and 181 days old. But he only added a cameo against West Ham United this February to a cameo at Brentford in September 2022. Yet Mertesacker is excited for Nwaneri’s future.
“We are extremely proud of Ethan and his journey, from pre-academy to Hale End, then a seamless transition to Sobha Realty Training Centre and then making his first-team debut,” Mertesacker told Arsenal’s website.
“Ethan’s journey now continues, and we will all be there alongside him to support his development. Ethan has a strong ability to master the ball, dominate possession and is really effective in the final third, which fits into our playing style at Arsenal Football Club.
“He is someone that will thrive on and off the pitch as a strong young Gunner and we look forward to working with him during his ongoing development in the years to come.”
Read more about what Mertesacker has had to say about Arsenal talent Nwaneri, here.
David Ornstein now questions Arsenal targeting Evan Ferguson’s transfer from Brighton
Ornstein now questions Arsenal targeting a transfer for Brighton & Hove Albion striker, Evan Ferguson. The journalist has claimed in his Q&A for The Athletic that a move for the 19-year-old this summer now seems ‘less likely’ after his season and the Seagulls’ likely asking price.
Arsenal admire the 12-cap Republic of Ireland international and will be looking to sign a new striker in the off-season. But Ferguson has only scored six goals over his 26 Premier League appearances this term. He has even not scored since November, firing blanks in 14 matches.
Ferguson has further only registered one assist this season, coming during his barren spell in the top-flight. So, Ornstein feels Arsenal are likely to look elsewhere. Reports by TEAMtalk in November citing Arsenal’s interest in Ferguson added that Brighton want more than £100m.
Read more about what Ornstein has had to say about Arsenal’s interest in Ferguson, here.
Mikel Arteta admits Bukayo Saka ‘has not trained’ ahead of visiting Manchester City
Arteta admits Saka, plus Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes, ‘have not trained’ before visiting Manchester City this Sunday. But ‘there is a chance’ that they feature following their injury issues. The trio all withdrew from representing England and Brazil in the March break.
Saka returned to Arsenal after not training with England after developing a muscle injury the Gunners do not think is serious. Martinelli and Gabriel also pulled out of the Brazil team due to a foot injury and an inflamed Achilles respectively. But all three may still face the Citizens.
Martinelli has not featured since sustaining a cut to his foot in Arsenal’s 6-0 win at Sheffield United. Gabriel and Saka have not missed any fixtures ahead of facing Manchester City with their issues. So, Arteta will now give them Saturday’s training session to prove their fitness.
“There is a chance,” Arteta explained during his pre-match press conference. “They haven’t trained but tomorrow, we have another session. So, there is a chance they can be available.”
Read more about what Arteta has had to say about Arsenal’s injuries, here.