Ethan Nwaneri has emerged as one of Arsenal’s most exciting young talents and now looks set for a positional shift that could shape his long-term role at the club.
Last season, the teenager featured regularly on the right wing, stepping up impressively in the absence of Bukayo Saka. Saka’s injury was a major setback, but Nwaneri’s performances helped ease the burden, showcasing his technical quality, fearlessness, and eye for goal.
Across 37 appearances in all competitions, 26 in the league, seven in the Champions League, and four in the EFL Cup, Nwaneri registered nine goals and two assists. While Myles Lewis-Skelly attracted much of the spotlight, Nwaneri’s impact was equally impressive in what was his breakthrough campaign.
Midfield now viewed as Nwaneri’s natural role
For some time, there had been uncertainty over whether Nwaneri was best suited to a wide role or a more central position. However, that debate now appears to be settled. According to The Athletic, Mikel Arteta and his coaching staff no longer view Nwaneri as a winger. Instead, he is being groomed for a right-sided central midfield role.
The change reflects a broader shift in Arsenal’s planning. While Saka is virtually undroppable when fit, the same cannot always be said for Martin Ødegaard, who, despite his obvious quality, has struggled with consistency. Arteta now wants internal competition in that creative midfield role, and Nwaneri could be the ideal candidate.
He possesses a natural ability to turn in tight spaces, break lines, and drive into dangerous areas. These are attributes Arsenal previously hoped to see consistently from Emile Smith Rowe. Crucially, Nwaneri also helps unlock Saka by drawing defenders away and creating isolated one-on-one opportunities for the winger.
Arteta handed Nwaneri a start in central midfield against Southampton on the final day of the season, and his performance was widely praised. It may have been a sign of what is to come next season.
Arsenal to target versatile winger in transfer market
With Nwaneri now expected to operate more centrally, Arsenal will turn their attention to signing a wide player who can operate effectively on both flanks. The club’s recruitment team are actively searching for a winger to complement this structural change.
The anticipated arrival of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, an intelligent and defensively solid midfielder, has also reduced concerns about Nwaneri’s defensive capabilities in comparison to Ødegaard. With greater balance behind him, the young midfielder could thrive further forward.
Now the question turns to recruitment. Who will Arsenal sign to support this evolution in midfield and provide cover for Saka out wide?
Let us know who you think fits the bill.
Daniel O
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No player should be indispensable from the starting 11. As brilliant as saka is … the competition on the bench needs to be challenging him for the first team spot. That goes for others also.
If the players on the bench know they are opportunities to be starting that will create a competitive team with each player – wanting to play as much as possible…
That type of environment and attitude will win the league. If there is an injury or suspension the player coming in should be able to perform immediately and not need a run of games due to lack of football.
Nwaneri just needs to look at how pep brought foden through…. part of his education was observing the first 11 and understanding what was required and the level needed. Sancho believed he was ready when pep and txiki clearly knew he wasn’t. Look at fodens success and look at sancho’s career to date .
Whilst the view of Nwaneri being Odegaard’s understudy will be valid, I believe in the long term Max Dowman will be Odegaard’s successor. Dowman seems to be more talented than Nwaneri. He has the potential to be as impactful as Yamal and if he adapts well next season by 2026/27 season he may be a regular.
Valid point. I hope Max is patient enough to wait till he becomes regular. I see Arsenal Lamine in him. I wish those boys the best
I’m not sure if he is more talented than nwaneri – certainly don’t think it’s obvious now. Even playing with older lads, Dowman looks physically more developed than them, and I think he runs with the ball too much simply because he can in that age group – I expect he’ll have to adapt his game as he gets older.
He can do everything you’d want for an attacking midfielder, but so can nwaneri imo – I think we’re lucky to have both.
I think he’s class but needs minutes on the pitch to get a better measure of things. He’s showing brilliance in flashes, but is dipping in and out of games, not always making the right decision, probably because he’s still not sure what he can get away with at this level. He should have been coming off the bench frequently this year, but didn’t get as many chances as I think he should have (perhaps there’s a reason we don’t know about). Not sure if he’ll ready to start games next season – possibly he will after having the break and preseason.
The club definitely needs another creative option. Hope Nwaneri’s development continues
I fully agree with this article- if we utlise Nwaneri in his best position and give him more game time, then he might be willing to stay.
As for Max Dowman, I see him as one for the future rather than a current player. He is still 15 so has many years to develop. But he is brilliant and I can’t wait to see how he turns out!