Arsenal fans are rightfully rejoicing at news that Ethan Nwaneri is set to sign a new long-term contract with the club.
As things stand, Ethan Nwaneri has just one year left on his current Arsenal deal, explaining why sorting a new contract has been a priority for sporting director Andrea Berta.
Berta is clearly spinning several plates right now given how busy Arsenal are in the transfer market, but the Italian has recognised the importance of Nwaneri’s situation too.
Alongside Myles Lewis-Skelly, the 18-year-old is one of the best talents to have emerged from the Hale End academy since its very existence.
And fortunately for fans in north London, Nwaneri has agreed a deal in principle with Arsenal.
Ethan Nwaneri has just chosen the wrong squad number at Arsenal
That being said, Arsenal recently confirmed that Nwaneri will be changing squad numbers ahead of next season.
David Raya has relinquished the number 22 shirt in order to move to number one, and Nwaneri has switched from 53 as a result.
Nwaneri will wear 22 on the back of his shirt next season, and that will probably be his number for many years to come.
However, following what Mikel Arteta said to Nwaneri in order to convince him to sign a new contract, Arsenal might have missed a trick.
Mikel Arteta next to Ethan Nwaneri in Arsenal training.
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
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TBR Football recently shared that Arteta played a crucial role in Nwaneri’s contract talks — he mapped out a clear path to success for the youngster.
And as part of those discussions, Arteta confirmed to Nwaneri that he will often play as a number 10, which is the youngster’s preferred role.
Moreover, given that the number 10 shirt is currently available at Arsenal, the club might have really missed a trick.
Eberechi Eze can turn things around for the number 10 at Arsenal
Whilst it might be a bit strong to describe the number as a curse, Arsenal’s recent number 10s haven’t had the easiest of times at the Emirates.
Mesut Ozil was a polarising figure at Arsenal, who wore the number between 2018/19.
And things didn’t really go to plan for the incumbents either side of Ozil for one reason or another.
Robin van Persie was clearly a success in the number 10 shirt for Arsenal, even if he’s no longer a popular name around N5.
Arsenal’s most recent number 10 occupants
Emile Smith Rowe
Mesut Ozil
Jack Wilshere
Robin van Persie
William Gallas
Paul Merson
Dennis Bergkamp
Players who have worn the number 10 shirt at Arsenal, starting with most recent first.
But otherwise it’s been a bit of a mixed bag since Paul Merson wore the number after Dennis Bergkamp.
And if Arsenal hadn’t already handed Nwaneri the number 22 shirt, he could be the ideal candidate to change the course of the number’s history.
But given that Arsenal want to sign Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace this summer, perhaps he will actually be the man tasked with reviving such an iconic shirt at Arsenal.