15-year-old midfield talent Ethan Nwaneri received his first call up to Arsenal’s first-team training ahead of their clash with Brentford, as expectations surrounding the teenager continue to soar.
Nwaneri, born in 2007, has already represented the club at U21 level this season, despite expectations that he would be a part of the U18 setup this campaign.
At U18 level, he has produced a goal and two assists in 3 outings, while he grabbed an assist in his sole appearance for the U21s in the PL2.
Nwaneri has taken the no.83 in the senior side, but it is unclear what the plans for the schoolboy are for the remainder of the season.
He cannot be featured in the Europa League group stages, though he could potentially be named in later knockout round squads. However, he is able to be called up to Premier League matchday squads, and was left out of Arsenal’s most recent youth fixtures, fueling speculation that he could be handed a place on the bench against Brentford when the two sides meet on Sunday.
Of course, Arsenal have a rich history of youth talent, with recent examples such as Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith-Rowe set to be supplanted by the likes of Charlie Patino and Folarin Balogun, both of whom are currently out on loan.
Nwaneri’s talent has also been recognised further afield than London Colney, with the attacking midfielder having already represented England at U17 level twice, grabbing an assist in their 3-0 win over the Faroe Islands.
Whether or not he makes the matchday squad this season, he will certainly be one to keep an eye on moving forwards.
:quality(70)/s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/xlmedia/75056cb2-70a2-47ac-a9bf-dc86877bc260.png)
