Ethan Nwaneri Sends Mikel Arteta a Message Arsenal Fans Will Love After First-Team Breakthrough

Arsenal’s promising young midfielder Ethan Nwaneri has caught the attention of manager Mikel Arteta with his impressive performances and dedication to adapting to the first team. At just 17 years old, Nwaneri has already made five Premier League appearances this season, showcasing his growing role in the squad.

Nwaneri made history in 2022 when he debuted for Arsenal at the age of 15 years and 181 days, becoming the youngest player to appear in the Premier League. Since then, his journey has been one of consistent growth. This season, he has featured in eight matches across all competitions and scored three goals, including a remarkable brace against Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup.

Speaking on Arsenal’s official social media channel alongside fellow young prospect Myles Lewis-Skelly, Nwaneri reflected on the challenges and rewards of training with the first team. “Yeah, I think it’s hard, but you get used to it quick. It’s hard, but at the end of the day, it’s good,” he said. Lewis-Skelly echoed these sentiments, highlighting the faster tempo of first-team football and the importance of adapting quickly.

Both players emphasized the importance of balancing their football commitments with their education. Nwaneri explained, “When I go home and I finish training, I’m on it.” Lewis-Skelly added, “I’m very transparent with my teachers because the schedule is always changing. Communication is key for me.”

Mikel Arteta has expressed his confidence in Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly, suggesting they could feature more prominently in the Premier League soon. “They are there,” Arteta said. “They are in contention. They always give us the option and the possibility to start the game. Myles came on the other night and did really well. Ethan the same. They are first-team players, and we value them as much as any other player.”

With their talent, determination, and adaptability, Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly represent the future of Arsenal. Their commitment to both football and education demonstrates maturity beyond their years, and Arteta’s faith in them suggests they could play a significant role in Arsenal’s continued success.