Mikel Arteta has thrown Ethan Nwaneri’s future at Arsenal into doubt by admitting regular minutes are key for the young star.
Nwaneri has featured in all of the Gunners’ pre-season games so far after returning to the club from his loan at Marseille.
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The 19-year-old spent the second half of last campaign in France, but made just 11 appearances in all competitions – chipping in with two goals and one assist.
His last game for Arsenal was in January in the FA Cup, playing just 153 minutes in the Premier League spread across six outings, before leaving on loan.
And with the Gunners going on to win the top-flight title while he was away, combined with the summer arrivals Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis, his minutes are not expected to rise.
What has Arteta said about Nwaneri?
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Communtiy shield clash against Manchester City, Arteta hinted that a move for more game time could be what’s best for Nwaneri, amid links to Turkish giants Galatasaray.
“I want him to be at the club, but something is in the medium and long term what is the best for the player as well,” he said.
“Ethan needs to play football. If he stays here, it’s because we can guarantee that he can have those minutes.
“Otherwise, it’s just something that is not good for anybody, I think.”
Nwaneri had an incredible breakout in 2022, becoming the Premier League’s youngest-ever player, aged just 15.
However, his career trajectory has seemingly lost some momentum at 19, with his loan at Marseille not going smoothly, as he was dropped in April due to his ‘day-to-day commitment’.
Arteta has still been pleased with the teenager’s progression though, saying during pre-season: “I don’t know on the plans, but certainly it opens your eyes in terms of how much a young player can evolve in such a short period.
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“An experience abroad with certain difficulties and challenges, what you can get out of that. I think he’s done it in a brilliant way.
“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.
“I think he had some great games, he’s shown everybody that he has the ability to be here.”
Could Nwaneri be sold this summer?
Arteta clearly still rates Nwaneri highly, but if minutes are the deciding factor on his future, it could lead to an exit.
Nwaneri has to compete with Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino and Eberechi Eze in a midfield role, while being behind Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Max Dowman and Gabriel Martinelli out wide.
With his game time to be limited, it’s understood that Arsenal are willing to listen to offers for him this summer.
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The Gunners have discussed Nwaneri with Galatasaray during their transfer talks, which also included a potential switch for Martinelli, who has now rejected a potential transfer to Turkey.
And Arteta has spoken openly about the reality of having to let some more players go before the deadline on September 1.
“We have certain possibilities that we can explore if the right possibilities come across,” the Arsenal boss said.
“So far, with the numbers that we have, we are happy, but obviously we need to accept that there are certain players that probably have to move.”
Nwaneri may well be among that group of certain players that are going to need to go elsewhere for regular football.
If he doesn’t feature in the Community Shield against City on Sunday, live on talkSPORT, then the writing may be on the wall.
