The number of players that have advanced through the Hale End academy to feature in the Arsenal first team have seen a drastic increase over recent years. Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah are perfect examples in Mikel Arteta's current squad, but there could be a new star on the scene in the near future.
Ethan Nwaneri is a name recognised by Arsenal supporters after becoming the youngest player to feature in the Premier League at just 15 years and 181 days when he came off the bench in the Gunners' 3-0 win over Brentford in September. The moment highlighted the good work done within the club's academy and gave us a brief look at what the future holds in north London.
Speaking after the game, Mikel Arteta cited Nwaneri's attitude in training as the reason to bring the Hale End product on: "It was a pure gut feeling. I met the boy (and) really liked what I saw," the Gunners boss said. "Per Mertesacker and the academy staff are giving me really good information, Edu as well. I met him, he's trained a couple of times with us. Yesterday he had to come because we have injuries."
