Journalist James McNicholas has now provided an insight into the plan Arsenal have for the future of Ethan Nwaneri.
There are a number of talented young players currently on the books at Arsenal.
Charlie Patino is currently garnering valuable experience whilst on loan in the Championship. Chido Obi has been smashing records with his goalscoring exploits at youth level. Perhaps the most promising prospect in the Hale End academy system at this time though is Ethan Nwaneri.
Arsenal fans have already had a couple of glimpses of Nwaneri. Mikel Arteta handed the teenager his first-team debut back in September 2022, when he was just 15-year-old. Coming on as a late substitute in a 3-0 win over Brentford, Nwaneri became the youngest player in both Arsenal and Premier League history.
The midfielder got his second taste of senior football earlier this season, as he was handed almost 15 minutes off the bench to strut his stuff against West Ham United. On that occasion, with the Gunners 6-0 up already at the London Stadium, Arsenal players on the bench had been urging Arteta to bring Nwaneri on.
There is good reason for the levels of excitement around the 17-year-old. Nwaneri has been compared to Jack Wilshere in terms of his style of play. He has an eye for goal, is an eye-catching dribbler, and can be a creative force.
He is expected to have a big future at Arsenal, but how his development is handled over the next couple of years is crucial. Nwaneri needs to be tested on the pitch, as well as protected from the pressure and scrutiny building up around him.
What is the plan for Ethan Nwaneri at Arsenal?
A plan will be in place for Nwaneri at the Emirates Stadium, and James McNicholas has now shared his understanding of it.
Speaking on the Arsecast Extra podcast, the reporter said “They are really happy with him and his development. From the bits and pieces I hear, his contribution in training has been really impressive. They definitely see him as part of the plans for the future.
“You’ve mentioned that Martin Odegaard position. It would probably be too strong to say he’s been earmarked for that, but certainly they can envision a future where that’s where he might be involved…I think he’ll make some cup squads, I think he’ll get off the bench here and there next season, I don’t see him going out on loan yet.”
Ethan Nwaneri working with Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard
Nwaneri will not be usurping Martin Odegaard in the pecking order any time soon. However, the Norwegian playmaker is an ideal role model for the youngster to look up to. Odegaard has been the most creative player in Europe this season, he is a tactical leader on the pitch, and has a relentless work-rate. He is, in many ways, the heartbeat of Arteta’s team. Odegaard has also been described as a perfect Arsenal captain.
Odegaard has already adopted a mentoring role with Nwaneri, and Arteta will be hoping that the former Real Madrid man can help to guide the teenager into becoming a regular member of the first team squad.
In any case, Arsenal fans will be hoping to see more of Nwaneri in action for the senior side next season.
