Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka react to Arsenal star Ethan Nwaneri’s new message
Ethan Nwaneri caught the attention of his Arsenal teammates as the youngster impressed away from the Emirates Stadium this summer.
The 18-year-old winger experienced a breakout season in North London, being given his first full season at first-team level, notching nine goals and two assists in 37 appearances across all competitions.
With a full season under his belt, Football Insider understands that Nwaneri is putting Martin Odegaard’s spot in the starting lineup under pressure ahead of next season.
Odegaard’s drop in form was noticeable at Arsenal, allowing the academy product to prove himself, but even despite that, he was used more off the bench as England Under-21s lifted the Euro U21 title.
He accumulated just 45 minutes across the final three matches against Spain, the Netherlands, and Germany, but nonetheless, he celebrated the Three Lions’ victory like everyone else.
Ethan Nwaneri set for starring Arsenal role next season
Taking to Instagram (29 June), Nwaneri wrote: “What a team – Champions of Europe,” with a red heart and three love heart emojis, with Alex Scott replying: “What a boy”.
Reiss Nelson also responded: “Cold,” with likes from club teammates Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, David Raya, Leandro Trossard, and Lewis Myles-Skelly.
Several other players reacted to the post, too, with Fulham’s Calvin Bassey, Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott, and Crystal Palace duo Adam Wharton and Eddie Nketiah.
Mikel Arteta desperate for stars to step up at the Emirates Stadium
Football Insider verdict
Nwaneri will hope for even more game time in North London next season, and with no transfer moves made yet for big-money forwards, that is a distinct possibility.
Being unable to secure the signing of a centre-forward was the Gunners’ biggest mistake last season, missing that goal threat as the team missed out on the Premier League and Champions League titles.
Football Insider understands that RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko wants to join Arsenal this summer, though Viktor Gyokeres and Ollie Watkins are both on the list of potential transfer targets as well.
Arteta’s job could be on the line at Arsenal if he and Andrea Berta cannot bring in a big-money striker ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, with supporters becoming more and more frustrated in North London.
The Gunners have not lifted silverware since the 2019/20 FA Cup final, as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored a brace against Chelsea, and this season was the closest to a trophy since.
With supporters’ frustrations only getting louder, the 43-year-old manager is running out of time to prove himself, and he could turn to the young prospect next season.