Mikel Arteta Explains ‘Unbelievable’ Reason Behind Ethan Nwaneri’s Exclusion from Arsenal’s First-Team Dressing Room
Despite his impressive performances for Arsenal this season, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri is still not allowed access to the senior team’s dressing room. Manager Mikel Arteta revealed the surprising reason behind this decision.
Nwaneri, who made history as the youngest-ever Premier League player at just 15 years old, has quickly become one of Arsenal’s most exciting talents. His recent contributions include scoring in the Champions League against Girona and netting a spectacular long-range goal in the team’s 5-1 victory over Manchester City.
However, Arteta explained that unlike his fellow young teammate Myles Lewis-Skelly, who turned 18 in September, Nwaneri is still required to change in a separate room due to his age.
“Ethan cannot be in our dressing room still, which is unbelievable,” Arteta commented. “He needs to get dressed somewhere else, even on match day.”
Arteta also highlighted the close relationship between Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly, noting the significance of young players forming strong bonds as they integrate into the senior squad.
Looking ahead, Arsenal has a crucial second leg in the Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle, needing to overturn a 2-0 deficit at St. James’ Park.
In addition, Arteta voiced his frustration regarding the club’s failure to sign a striker during the January transfer window, saying, “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.” Nevertheless, Arteta emphasized the importance of sticking to disciplined player selections, adding, “We have to be very disciplined with that as well.”
Despite the setback, Arteta remains optimistic about his team’s attacking options, naming Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, Raheem Sterling, and even Nwaneri as potential alternatives.
With Arsenal still competing for silverware, Arteta suggested that flexibility in attack may be necessary for the rest of the season, even though the lack of a new striker could pose a challenge.
