Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has shared a glimpse into his cautious yet calculated approach to handling Ethan Nwaneri, a teenage sensation who has continued to capture the attention of fans.
With many supporters calling for his inclusion in the starting lineup, Arteta is taking a more measured route—one that promises a steady path toward greatness but leaves room for curiosity about when Nwaneri will truly emerge as a first-team regular.
The talented 17-year-old has been drawing attention ever since his debut and calls for more game time became louder following Arsenal's 2-0 loss to Bournemouth.
With key creative players Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka missing from the squad, Arsenal lacked creativity, and some believe Nwaneri could have been the solution.
Yet, Arteta's decision to introduce him only in the final minutes has left many wondering about the next step for the prodigy.
Nwaneri's rapid rise, a step-by-step plan for Mikel Arteta
During a pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal's Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk, Arteta outlined his plans for Nwaneri’s rise, hinting at the club's cautious approach.
He acknowledged the youngster's impressive progress but emphasised that his development must be handled carefully to avoid rushing him too soon.
It’s all about picking the right moments for the youngster, Arteta stated.
“He’s already done a lot in a very short period of time, so let’s take it step by step,” Arteta said.
“It’s about understanding where he is, where the team is, and ensuring those steps are consistent so he can grow in the manner and form that we want him in the team.”
By gradually introducing Nwaneri, the Arsenal boss hopes to maintain a smooth transition into the spotlight while protecting the teenager from undue pressure.
