Despite delivering standout performances for Arsenal this season, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri is still prohibited from using the club’s senior dressing room due to his age.
Nwaneri, who made history as the youngest-ever Premier League player at just 15, has continued to impress as one of Arsenal’s brightest emerging talents.
His development has been evident in recent weeks, highlighted by his goal in the Champions League against Girona and a stunning long-range strike in Arsenal’s emphatic 5-1 win over Manchester City.
However, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that the teenager remains restricted from joining the senior squad in the dressing room.
Unlike his teammate Myles Lewis-Skelly—who turned 18 in September and is now permitted in the first-team area—Nwaneri is still required to change elsewhere.
“Ethan cannot be in our dressing room still, which is unbelievable,” Arteta admitted.
“He needs to get dressed somewhere else, even on match day.”
Arteta also spoke about the close relationship between Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly, emphasizing how crucial it is for young players to form strong connections as they transition into the senior team.
He noted that such bonds can help ease their integration and boost their confidence at the highest level.
With Arsenal preparing for a crucial second-leg Carabao Cup semi-final clash against Newcastle, Arteta and his team will be hoping for another strong performance from their young talents as they look to overturn a 2-0 deficit at St. James’ Park.
Arteta Acknowledges Striker Concerns but Trusts Young Players Like Nwaneri to Deliver
As Arsenal gets ready for their decisive Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle, Mikel Arteta has openly expressed his disappointment over the club’s inability to bring in a new striker during the January transfer window.
The Arsenal boss admitted that the club had actively explored potential attacking reinforcements but ultimately failed to secure a signing.
“We had a clear intention to explore opportunities to improve our squad with players that can impact it.
And we haven’t achieved that, so we are disappointed in that sense,” Arteta stated.
However, he emphasized that the club remains committed to signing only the right players, adding, “We have to be very disciplined with that as well.”
Despite missing out on a new forward, Arteta remains confident in the squad’s attacking flexibility.
He believes Arsenal will need to adjust their approach and make full use of the attacking options already available.
“We’re going to have to be very flexible with the front line,” he explained, naming players like Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, and even Raheem Sterling as possible solutions.
Surprisingly, he also included 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri as an attacking option, suggesting that the youngster could play a role in filling the void.
With Arsenal still in contention for multiple trophies this season, Arteta hinted at the possibility of tactical adjustments in the attacking department.
He acknowledged that while the lack of a new striker could be a setback, the squad’s versatility might still be enough to keep them competitive.
However, only time will tell if Arsenal’s decision not to strengthen their frontline in January will prove costly.
