Right now, Ethan Nwaneri’s Arsenal future is proving a concern to fans in north London.
Arsenal are making very exciting moves in the transfer market right now and new sporting director Andrea Berta is already proving his worth.
However, Arsenal’s move for Viktor Gyokeres might pale into insignificance if the Gunners then suddenly lose one of the biggest Hale End talents to emerge in the last decade.
Ethan Nwaneri has all the credentials to become a world-class talent, he’s got Bukayo Saka levels of ability, and he seems to have the temperament to match.
Although Arsenal are concerned about Nwaneri’s contract situation, and as things stand, the 18-year-old will be able to negotiate with other clubs in six months’ time.
Alex Iwobi shares what he’s just told Ethan Nwaneri
That being said, former Hale End star Alex Iwobi has now provided an interesting insight into the advice he recently gave Nwaneri, as well as Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Iwobi was speaking in a feature-length interview with The Athletic and his words to Nwaneri were of particular interest, given the youngster’s current situation.
Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri against PSG.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
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At the age of 18, Nwaneri has already made 39 senior appearances under Mikel Arteta, scoring nine goals and providing two assists.
And whilst some reports suggest that Nwaneri wants assurances over his game time, Iwobi was keen to point out that the 18-year-old was doing pretty well to play so much at his tender age.
When Iwobi crossed paths with Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly earlier this year, he simply said to “keep doing you, there’s a reason you’re playing so early, just keep on enjoying your football”.
And when reflecting on his current contract situation, that’s the kind of advice that could ultimately prove invaluable to Nwaneri.
Nwaneri will change position at Arsenal next season
Over the last 12 months, Nwaneri’s chances have predominantly come as a substitute for Saka when he’s been injured.
But when the 23-year-old is fully fit, there’s very little chance of any talent in world football displacing Saka.
And that’s perhaps why Nwaneri seems to be primed for a number 10 role next term — he’ll compete for Martin Odegaard’s starting spot.
Throughout his time at the Hale End Academy, Nwaneri primarily thrived as a central player, and the position is considered his strongest.
And although the task of displacing Arsenal’s captain in the starting eleven might be daunting, Odegaard was criticised at the Emirates last season.
An important period in Nwaneri’s young career, and Arsenal fans will keep everything crossed that he soon pens a new long-term deal.