Arsenal believe young star is set to enjoy ‘breakthrough season’

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will continue to handle the development of Arsenal’s brightest young talents with care but there is a feeling that one emerging gem is set to enjoy a breakthrough season.

The impending departure of Chido Obi-Martin to Manchester United has left many at the north London club with a feeling of disappointment at seeing another potentially top class teenager leave for a rival club.

Already this summer the likes Amario Cozier-Duberry and Reuell Walters have left for the promise of regular first team football, while Hale End Academy graduate poster boys Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson are all set to depart.

Despite the doubts young players harbour about their chances of making an impact at first team level under Arteta, the Arsenal boss is understood to remain steadfast in his belief that talent cannot be rushed.

In that respect it is worth noting that while William Saliba is now regarded as one of the Premier League’s best central defenders, Arteta chose to send the France international out on loan on two occasions before he was deemed fully ready to cope with the demands of Premier League football.

That said, according to the Daily Mail, Arsenal believe Ethan Nwaneri is likely to play a more prominent role this season.

Already the teenage midfielder has given an indication of his talent on the current tour of America, impressing against Manchester United over the weekend during which he created a goal for Gabriel Jesus.

Although Arsenal are keen to add another midfielder to their ranks – Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino appears to be the most likely candidate at this stage – there is still likely to be scope for Nwaneri to feature.

The 17-year-old made history by becoming the youngest player in top flight history two years ago when he made his debut against Brentford in a 3-0 win.

Nwaneri’s only subsequent first team appearance came as a late subsitute in a crushing win over West Ham back in February but Arteta insists his hopes of playing a more regular role alongside the likes of Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard are in his own hands.

Speaking after the victory against United in Los Angeles, Arteta said: ‘It’s always in the hands of the players, so show what you can do,’ said Arteta in his post match press conference.

‘Show that ambition, that determination, that quality and things will happen naturally. Tomorrow he’s going to train with us again and if he continues to play like that he’s going to play some minutes on Wednesday for sure.’