Mikel Arteta explains the ‘incredible’ reason why Ethan Nwaneri is not allowed in Arsenal’s first-team dressing room.
Mikel Arteta has revealed that despite Ethan Nwaneri’s impressive performances for Arsenal’s first team this season, the young midfielder is still not allowed in the senior dressing room due to his age.
The 17-years – old made history in 2022 as the youngest-ever Premier League player at just 15 and has gradually worked his way into the squad, making 22 appearances across all competitions this season. Nwaneri impressed in Arsenal’s 2-1 Champions League win over Girona and recently scored a stunning long-range goal in the 5-1 victory over Manchester City.
However, Arteta explained that, unlike Myles Lewis-Skelly, who turned 18 last September, Nwaneri must still change in a separate dressing room. The Arsenal manager described it as “unbelievable” but emphasized the strong bond between the two young players, which helps Nwaneri navigate this stage of his career.
Looking ahead, Arsenal faces Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg, needing to overturn a 2-0 deficit. Arteta admitted his frustration over failing to sign a striker in the winter window but remains confident in his squad’s versatility, suggesting that players like Trossard, Sterling, Martinelli, and even Nwaneri could step up in the attacking role.
