Ethan Nwaneri has impressed since returning from Marseille, but his opportunities during the coming season will determine Arsenal’s next move.
Mikel Arteta is keen for Ethan Nwaneri to stay at Arsenal this season, though he’s made it clear that the teenager will only remain if there’s a real promise of game time.
Nwaneri returned to the Gunners following a loan spell at Marseille through the second half of last season.
The 19-year-old has started in three of Arsenal’s pre-season matches this summer, whilst scoring after coming off of the bench against Borussia Dortmund last weekend.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Community Shield, Arteta didn’t hide the dilemma Arsenal now face over Nwaneri’s future.
“I want him to be at the club, but in the middle, long term, what is best for the player? Ethan needs to play football, and if he stays here, it’s because we can guarantee that he can have those minutes.”
The Arsenal manager also made clear that keeping Nwaneri around the squad without providing those opportunities would serve little purpose.
“Otherwise, it’s just something that is not good for anybody, I think.”
It’s a familiar situation Arsenal and Nwaneri find themselves in. Last season, Nwaneri was allowed to join Marseille on loan after making just 11 appearances across all competitions for the Gunners through the first half of the 2025/26 campaign. Arteta wanted the move to give Nwaneri more minutes in first-team football, believing Arsenal were risking slowing his development by not featuring him regularly.
The loan didn’t go exactly as planned, with Nwaneri making just 9 appearances in a Marseille shirt through the second half of the season. Arteta, however, believes that experience still helped the youngster in his development.
“I don’t know on the plans but certainly he opens your eyes in terms of how much a young player can evolve in such a short period.”
“How work and experience abroad with certain difficulties and challenges - what you can really get out of that and I think he’s done it in a brilliant way.”
Nwaneri is back amongst the Arsenal setup this summer, facing a squad packed with competition for places in attack and midfield.
Mikel Arteta believes Ethan Nwaneri returned from Marseille with greater maturity despite a loan spell that fell short on the pitch.roundtable.ioMikel Arteta Sees ‘Different Man’ After Ethan Nwaneri Loan
Mikel Arteta believes Ethan Nwaneri returned from Marseille with greater maturity despite a loan spell that fell short on the pitch.
Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze are both options in the middle, while Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke and Max Dowman can play from the right. Arteta has also added Bruno Guimaraes to bolster the midfield, capable of playing both deeper and in a more progressive role..
If Nwaneri is to get the minutes he needs across the Premier League, Champions League and domestic cups, Arteta will have to make a conscious effort to use him, not just keep him as cover.
Arteta is clear in his belief in the England U21 international. The issue remains as to how he fits into the wider squad.
“It’s unquestionable the talent, the desire, the love and the passion he has for the game. It’s something that I always loved about Ethan.”
Nwaneri became the youngest Premier League player at just 15 in 2022, later breaking into Arteta’s side properly in 2024/25, and signed a long-term deal last August. But finding regular appearances since, has been a different story.
However, Arteta believes his pre-season has shown he can compete for a place again.
“I think he had some great games and he’s shown everybody that he has the ability to be here.”
So the decision for Arsenal now isn’t about Nwaneri’s talent, but whether the right opportunities are there.