Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has opened up on the exciting potential of young talent Ethan Nwaneri and how he could fit into the same lineup as club captain Martin Ødegaard. Speaking to Football London, Arteta praised Nwaneri’s versatility and hinted at a variety of roles the young midfielder could thrive in as he continues his development.
When asked whether Nwaneri and Ødegaard could play together, Arteta provided an insightful response: “It depends on who they’re surrounded with and what positions they can play. He can play as a right attacking midfielder, left attacking midfielder, and a winger. I also think he can develop as a nine.”
Ethan Nwaneri has long been tipped as one of Arsenal’s brightest academy prospects. The 17-year-old made history when he became the youngest-ever Premier League player at just 15 years and 181 days during Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Brentford in 2022. Since then, his development has been closely monitored, with Arteta keen to ease him into the first team while ensuring he receives adequate opportunities to learn and grow.
Arteta’s comments highlight the immense flexibility in Nwaneri’s game, suggesting the teenager can adapt to multiple attacking roles. Being able to operate as a right or left attacking midfielder, winger, or even a striker (“a nine”) gives Arsenal plenty of tactical options for the future. Nwaneri’s creative instincts, technical ability, and composure beyond his years make him an asset Arteta is clearly excited about.
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 14: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Everton FC at Emirates Stadium on December 14, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Martin Ødegaard has been a cornerstone of Arteta’s project, dictating play as Arsenal’s midfield maestro and captain. The Norwegian’s vision, passing range, and goal-scoring ability have made him one of the Premier League’s most influential players. For Nwaneri to slot into the same side as Ødegaard, it will require a delicate balance in Arsenal’s attacking setup.
Arteta’s acknowledgment that their compatibility depends on surrounding players suggests that he envisions a fluid, dynamic midfield. Ødegaard could continue to thrive in his natural advanced playmaking role, while Nwaneri could slot into wide attacking spaces or even as a false nine, depending on the tactical demands of the game.
Arteta’s belief that Nwaneri could evolve into a striker (a “nine”) is particularly intriguing. While primarily a midfielder, Nwaneri has the technical sharpness and movement to operate in a more advanced role, similar to how players like Kai Havertz have been used. This flexibility could prove invaluable in Arsenal’s system, where positional interchange and fluidity are key principles.
For now, Arteta seems content to focus on Nwaneri’s progression, ensuring the teenager’s immense promise is nurtured correctly. Given Arsenal’s history of developing young talents such as Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, there is every reason to believe Nwaneri can follow in their footsteps.
Mikel Arteta’s comments emphasize the exciting future that lies ahead for Ethan Nwaneri at Arsenal. His versatility, combined with Ødegaard’s established role in the team, opens up countless tactical possibilities for the Gunners. As Nwaneri continues to develop, Arsenal fans will eagerly anticipate his rise into a first-team regular and his potential partnership with the club captain. Arteta’s vision for the teenager signals that Arsenal’s investment in youth remains central to their long-term success.