Unfortunately for Ethan Nwaneri, he didn’t play a minute in Arsenal’s opening weekend victory over Manchester United.
Captain Martin Odegaard was playing in the right-sided number 10 role for Arsenal, a position he’s made his own under Mikel Arteta.
And although Ethan Nwaneri will need to be patient, he should get plenty of chances across the season.
Following the arrival of Noni Madueke at Arsenal, who can cover Bukayo Saka on the right wing, it’s now believed that Nwaneri will just play in central roles, explaining why he’s in competition with Odegaard.
And although the Arsenal fan base are currently rejoicing at the expected arrival of Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace, it might not be the best news for Nwaneri.
Eberechi Eze’s arrival at Arsenal could limit minutes for Ethan Nwaneri
In reaction to Kai Havertz’s injury at Arsenal, the Gunners have now made their move for Eze, who has seemingly forgotten about Tottenham Hotspur’s interest in a heartbeat.
Eze is delighted to join Arsenal, the club he supported as a youngster, and fans in north London will surely reciprocate that good feeling.
However, news of Eze’s arrival might cause mixed feelings for Nwaneri.
Eberechi Eze in action for Crystal Palace against Mainz
Photo by Marco Steinbrenner/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
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On the face of it, Nwaneri must be somewhat delighted to see his club strengthen once again – he’ll recognise that a player of Eze’s calibre can make the difference at the Emirates.
But when it comes to Nwaneri’s chances of regular game time, Eze’s arrival might also be a concern.
As mentioned, Nwaneri is vying for opportunities in central areas this season, and that’s exactly where Eze thrives.
And whilst Eze will play as a left winger for Arsenal on occasion, he’s also going to get opportunities in place of both Declan Rice and Odegaard in central areas.
Mikel Merino might change position if Arsenal sign Eberechi Eze
In addition to Nwaneri, Eze’s arrival will surely also limit opportunities for Mikel Merino as a midfielder.
And following Havertz’s injury, perhaps Eze’s arrival signals that Merino will predominantly play as a makeshift striker again.
Merino thrived as a number nine whilst Havertz was missing with a hamstring injury last season, and perhaps he will now be seen as Viktor Gyokeres’ immediate backup.
It’s far from ideal – Havertz was going to play a crucial role for Arsenal over the next few months.
And whilst Eze’s arrival bloats Arsenal’s squad somewhat when all are fit, it’s the classic ‘positive problem’ for Mikel Arteta to deal with.
Andrea Berta has reacted very proactively to sign Eze, and although the likes of Nwaneri might possibly have some private concerns about their game time as a result, Arteta will surely have a plan to balance things sufficiently.