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Ethan Nwaneri’s future at Arsenal could look very different when he returns from his loan spell.
The youngster is naturally an attacking midfielder, but he struggled for regular minutes under Mikel Arteta in that role in the first half of this season.
With Martin Odegaard, Eberechi Eze and Max Dowman all competing for the same position, opportunities have been limited, and that may not change anytime soon.
That is why Nwaneri was sent on loan to Marseille, but for him to have a long-term future at Arsenal, his position may need to change.
We think the 19-year-old could become one of Arteta’s strikers next season.
Be honest: Was Ethan Nwaneri’s loan move to Marseille a mistake?
Credit: Getty Images/Franco Arland Ethan Nwaneri could become Arsenal’s backup striker next season
Ethan Nwaneri has mostly been seen as an attacking midfielder, but his skillset allows him to do much more.
Arsenal already have several options in his natural position, which makes it difficult for him to break into the team there. He has played as a right-winger before, but the Gunners are well-stocked there too.
That is why a positional change could make sense when he returns, and Arteta has previously indicated that Nwaneri is capable of playing as a striker.
Recently, Gabriel Jesus also described Nwaneri as a “killer” in front of goal and the best finisher he has seen.
Arsenal have Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz up top now, and both players will be there at the club next season.
The one striker who could be moved on is Jesus, and we think Nwaneri could be the one Arteta turns to in order to fill that hole.
We won’t be surprised at all if Nwaneri ends up doing a better job up front than Gabriel Jesus has for Arsenal in recent years.
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty ImagesWhat Mikel Arteta has said about Ethan Nwaneri playing as a striker
It is very clear to see that Nwaneri will struggle to get into the Arsenal side in his natural attacking midfield position.
The competition in that area is simply too strong at the moment, which is why making him a striker could give him a clearer pathway into the team.
Arteta had this vision a long time ago.
Fill in the blank: In five years, Ethan Nwaneri will be _________
How do you see the Arsenal youngster’s future panning out…
Credit: Mark Leech/Offside/Offside via Getty Images – David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
The Arsenal boss said in a press conference in December 2024: “Ethan can play as a right attacking midfielder, a left attacking midfielder, he can play as a right winger.
“There is another position I think he can develop into – No. 9.
“When he has got the goal in front of him, and he looks at the goal, he has a tremendous ability to put the ball in the back of the net.”
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