ARSENAL manager Mikel Arteta and academy boss Per Mertesacker are confident Ethan Nwaneri will become a regular player in the senior squad in the near future if the youngster keeps working hard.
The 17-year-old Nwaneri, born in England to Nigerian parents, signed his first professional contract with Arsenal last week after impressing with the academy and getting a taste of first team football.
Attacking midfielder Nwaneri made his English Premier League debut on September 18, 2022 against Brentford at the age of 15 years and 181 days, becoming the youngest player to appear in the top flight of English football.
The teenager also came off the bench to feature in Arsenal’s 6-0 thrashing of West Ham United in February.
According to Daily Mail, Nwaneri’s performances attracted attention from Chelsea and Manchester City, forcing Arsenal to act quickly to retain his services.
“I was really happy [for Nwaneri signing a professional contract],” Arteta said. “He had a great day, he had all his family and important people around him.
“A really proud moment to see another academy graduate signing his pro contract. He is very close to the first team. The opportunity is there, now he needs to take it.”
Former Arsenal centre-back Mertesacker said: “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.
“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 and dominate possession, this is what we are all about at Arsenal Football Club.”
Nwaneri has been featuring regularly for Arsenal’s youth teams this season, scoring 14 goals in 14 appearances, and getting the opportunity to train with the senior squad.
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