Ethan Nwaneri has just enjoyed a seriously promising breakthrough season for Arsenal under Mikel Arteta’s careful guidance.
In 37 games, Ethan Nwaneri scored nine goals and provided two assists for Arsenal, an 18-year-old with a huge future ahead.
The youngster predominantly played as a right winger for the Gunners, often providing back-up for Bukayo Saka whilst he was out injured.
Of course, Arsenal want to give Nwaneri a new contract as a result of his excellent contributions, a talent that all in N5 would be loath to lose.
And as Arteta continues to carefully craft Nwaneri’s path to success, it would seem as if a significant update has just emerged.
Ethan Nwaneri could play in a different position for Arsenal
Speaking during The Athletic’s transfer show, respected journalist David Ornstein gave a succinct update on Arsenal’s targets right now.
And when doing so, Ornstein perhaps gave away a big clue in regards to Arsenal’s long-term plans with Nwaneri.
The journalist mentioned that Arsenal wanted Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford this summer, a player who actually wants to join Manchester United.
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
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But interestingly, Ornstein admitted that Arsenal are on the hunt for a right winger, someone who can adequately provide back-up for Saka.
Ornstein said: “Arsenal are focusing on a new number nine, whether it’s going to be a Benjamin Sesko or a Viktor Gyokeres, they also want a top quality wide player.
“I think ideally on the left side — you’ve seen names like Rodrygo, Anthony Gordon and various others, Nico Williams we’ve talked about before.
“They would also like some back-up for Bukayo Saka on the right, that’s why they targeted Bryan Mbeumo.”
Ethan Nwaneri is coming for Martin Odegaard’s spot
Of course, Ornstein’s update is so significant because many believed that Nwaneri was Arsenal’s long-term back-up for Saka on the right.
But if Arsenal were willing to sign Mbeumo, perhaps for close to his £60m asking price, that would suggest that Nwaneri is being considered elsewhere.
In fact, that would surely mean that Nwaneri is being counted as a number 10, playing in the role currently occupied by captain Martin Odegaard.
Odegaard was criticised at Arsenal last season and perhaps there will be increasing merit for Nwaneri to get chances ahead of the Norwegian in the position.
Arsenal fans would surely love to see Nwaneri and Saka regularly playing in the first team together — two of the best talents to have ever risen through the Hale End Academy.
And rather than just competing with Saka, it seems as if Nwaneri could soon be playing alongside his compatriot, attempting to lead Arsenal to silverware.