Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that 17-year-old sensation Ethan Nwaneri has the potential to evolve into a striker in the coming years.
Nwaneri has impressed with his ability to adapt and develop in multiple attacking roles, prompting Arteta to suggest that the teenager’s future may lie as Arsenal’s centre-forward.
Mikel Arteta’s Vision for Nwaneri
Speaking at the latest press conference, Arteta hinted at the teenager’s long-term potential in a more advanced role.
When asked about Nwaneri’s positional versatility, Arteta said, “Ethan can play as a right attacking midfielder, left attacking midfielder, as a right winger, and there is another position he can develop into in a few years’ time.”
Probed further, Arteta revealed, “Striker. He’s got the goal in front of him, and he just looks at the goal. He has a tremendous ability to put the ball in the back of the net.”
Arteta emphasised that the youngster’s transition into a striker would take time for Nwaneri to fully adapt to the demands of playing the role.
However, the praise clearly reflects Nwaneri’s natural goal-scoring instincts, which have been evident throughout the season.
With four goals for Arsenal in 2023-24, he is behind only Kai Havertz (10) and Bukayo Saka (nine) as the team’s top scorers.
In recent weeks, he has been used as a substitute, most recently replacing captain Martin Odegaard as the right-sided attacking midfielder.
Interestingly, during Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Tottenham this season, Arteta used Nwaneri as a forward late in the match to secure the win.
"Ethan can play as a left or right attacking midfielder, right-wing … and could develop into a nine" 👀
Mikel Arteta believes Ethan Nwaneri has the potential to become a striker in the next few years 💥 pic.twitter.com/YOUyzSPNUd
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 17, 2024
From Versatile Midfielder to Potential No. 9
Nwaneri’s journey through Arsenal’s ranks has seen him excel in multiple roles.
During the 2022/23 season, he played as an attacking midfielder, winger, and even as a centre-forward for the club’s Under-18s and Under-21s.
This positional flexibility has allowed coaches to test his ability in different game scenarios, building his overall understanding of the game.
Mehmet Ali, Arsenal Under-21s head coach, highlighted Nwaneri’s growth last season, stating, “He has played in different areas to support his development.
“Playing as a pocket player and understanding when to stay deeper, go wider, or arrive in pockets is important for him.”
In 2023-24, Arsenal has focused on refining Nwaneri’s positioning and goal-scoring instincts. Ali added, “With Ethan, we’ve done a lot of work on his positioning, game understanding, and scoring goals.
“Sometimes he’s drawn toward the ball because he’s so good at manipulating it. But he’s learning when to hold his position and strike at the right time.”
