Mikel Arteta thinks Ethan Nwaneri is capable of scoring proflically for Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta has hinted at a new role for Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri amid questions over whether the teenager can fit in a team that includes Martin Odegaard.
Nwaneri, 17, could start for the Gunners in their EFL Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night and Arteta has hinted that the academy graduate could eventually be seen as an alternative centre-forward.
There has been a growing clamour from Arsenal fans for Nwaneri to be given increased opportunities but his best position happens to be the same as captain Odegaard, widely recognised as one of the Premier League ’s most important players.
But Arteta said both can occupy the same XI. “Obviously, depending on who they are surrounded with, and depending which position, Ethan can play as a right-attacking midfielder, a left-attacking midfielder, he can play as a right winger and there is another position I think he can develop into,” Arteta said.
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And pushed on what that role might be, he added: “Number nine. He has got the goal in front of him and he looks at the goal and he has a tremendous ability to put the ball in the back of the net.”
Arsenal have been struggling to create from open play in recent weeks while talk of their lack of a recognised focal point of the attack rumbles on. Kai Havertz has been the first-choice centre-forward despite being signed from Chelsea as a midfielder.
Ethan Nwaneri celebrates his first Premier League goal against Nottingham Forest last month.
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Image:
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Arteta is also confident that Gabriel Jesus can end his eight-game goal drought while praising the Brazil forward for his all-round play.
The 27-year-old has found the net just once this season, away to Preston in October, and made only two league starts while battling minor injuries.
“I’m looking forward to that [Jesus scoring],” Arteta added. “He does everything in the best possible way - his application, how he is trying and how he wants it. He needs to be rewarded for it. Hopefully it’s very soon.
“I don’t know if it’s confidence but obviously he’s got that will for the ball to go into the back of the net and he starts to have some momentum from that. In the end he plays in a position where he needs to deliver those moments. He’s really trying.”
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