Arteta must justify Ethan Nwaneri’s decision as teen sensation commits future to Arsenal
Arsenal tying Ethan Nwaneri down to a new contract only increases the pressure on manager Mikel Arteta to deliver trophies to North London.
Arteta has made his managerial career at the Emirates about signing and utilising young talent and Nwaneri’s emergence last season epitomised that.
The Spaniard put trust in Bukayo Saka early in his Arsenal tenure, alongside Emile Smith-Rowe, in a move that was behind an upturn in results and performances.
Arsenal have consistently challenged for trophies over the past three seasons, but Arteta still has only brought back the 2020 FA Cup to North London.
Arteta must deliver on squad potential
Nwaneri has become one of the Premier League’s most talented teenagers with huge potential that needs to be fulfilled.
The 18-year-old showed he could step up in the absence of Saka down the right flank and was often wanting to cut inside on his left foot and hit a strike in the top corner, as he demonstrated against Manchester City.
Signing a new long-term contract is excellent news for the club, although Arteta now needs to deliver trophies to not only fulfill his potential but to also keep him at the Emirates beyond the next five years.
| Apperances | 37 |
| Goals | 9 |
| Assists | 2 |
Eventually, stars may leave Arsenal if trophies are not delivered and Nwaneri’s talent would be utilised by another club.
Before he signed a new deal at Arsenal, Chelsea were interested in a move for Nwaneri, but right now the midfielder sees trophies as a realistic possibility next season.
Nwaneri to become next Odegaard
Arteta has strengthened his squad this summer and Nwaneri remains part of his plans for the future despite the increased competition for places.
Nwaneri has started pre-season matches in midfield, and with uncertainty over whether Eberechi Eze will sign from Crystal Palace, he could have a key role to play as deputy for Martin Odegaard.
Arteta needs to better utilise his squad and ensure key players like Odegaard get the adequate rest required to perform at their best in the biggest matches.
Stars like Odegaard and Saka have been over played when sufficient replacements like Nwaneri could have stepped in.
Nwaneri will want to know that he can be trusted following his debut season in the first team and that he will be given starts and not just minutes.