To be a big club, you act like a big club.
If it is true that an 18-year-old is giving Arsenal an ultimatum in order to extend his contract, then (after keeping a straight face) we should be wishing him all the best in his future endeavours.
As a Gooner, if you do not rate Madueke, that is your prerogative.
What we should not be doing, and what our manager certainly will not do, is fear signing someone because it might block the pathway of others. If you are good enough, the cream will rise to the top, no matter the competition.
Yet it is being reported that Ethan Nwaneri needs some guarantees before signing a new deal.
There is nothing wrong with a teenager believing in his own ability and wanting to play every week, but the irony is that by asking for assurances he will get enough minutes at the Emirates, he is, in fact, proving to Mikel Arteta that he is not mentally ready for this level.
He is at an age where naivety and immaturity are understandable, but what will concern his boss is where the support network is that should be advising the youngster.
When you are graduating from an academy the size of Arsenal’s and playing in the senior side so young, your talent is not in question.
What those responsible for your development worry about is how you respond to your new-found fame.
Do you get carried away with the praise?
Do you start to think you are better than you actually are?
That is why it is crucial to surround yourself with the right people.
Right guidance matters more than guarantees
If it is true that the player is seeking clarification, it suggests that Nwaneri is either getting poor advice or is choosing not to listen.
Because anyone who truly has an 18-year-old’s best interests at heart is not advising him to demand an explanation as to why he might have to rotate with others in his position.
The very best representatives should be stressing that, for someone who only turned 18 in March, 49 senior appearances for Arsenal is ahead of schedule.
There are others at Hale End who would bite your hand off for those stats.
Top professionals need the mindset that they are the best, yet if you dig deeper, it is not always the healthiest personality trait.
Even Messi and Ronaldo at that age listened to their coaches and trusted the staff around them, and whisper it quietly, Nwaneri is yet to get close to that level.
That may sound harsh, but it is the situation he is forcing Gooners to analyse.
Because if he really has a list of demands to stay in North London, then he needs to be performing at a level that justifies that ego.
I understand anyone being concerned if they genuinely cannot see a route into the first team, but there was enough faith in Nwaneri last season for him to replace an injured Saka.
He was trusted enough for the club not to bring in any attackers in January.
So he was given the stage, and what happened?
By May, he was dropped.
When Arsenal needed a goal in both legs against PSG, he came on in the 91st minute at home but remained on the bench in France.
So having been given the platform, maybe for the first time, he had to accept that he was not as good as he thought.
Mikel Arteta sees him every day, and whether it was something in training or his attitude around the group, he clearly felt the need to take the youngster out of the frying pan.
Pressure, perception, and potential
This time last year, some of my peers were writing that the then-17-year-old was more talented than Yamal. Yes, that Yamal. The one who has just won the Euros with his country, despite being younger than Nwaneri.
At that point, the Gunner had yet to start a senior game.
Meaning he was literally being compared to a La Liga and European Championship winner based on pre-season.
That is the kind of pressure ‘one of your own’ has to deal with as they develop.
Reiss Nelson, Eddie Nketiah, Joe Willock and Ainsley Maitland-Niles all went through the same.
Because fans are desperate for them to succeed, they make things up.
But what you feel does not mean it is factual.
Did Nwaneri believe the hype, and now feels aggrieved that in reality, he is not quite in the Yamal category?
If so, friends or family need to stress that he is in danger of talking himself out of his dream.
Because as a former player himself, Mikel Arteta will not give guarantees, and nor should he.
Our former captain is under pressure to end a 22-year title drought, so he has no time to massage egos. He needs to play the best possible XI to win football matches.
Ethan Nwaneri is not assured of being in that XI, nor should he be.
In fact, he probably plays under the least likely manager in the Premier League to be impressed by having this conversation.
The moment our ex-skipper returned, he spoke about ethos, standards, and principles.
On the surface, an 18-year-old giving an ultimatum appears confident.
In reality, it is sadly insecure, and it will set alarm bells ringing for those who want to see him reach his potential.
Because if he already needs validation and wants to be told he is the main man at Arsenal, he is, in fact, confirming… He will never be the main man at Arsenal.
Happy to hear your thoughts in the comments Gooners.
Dan Smith
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People seriously misunderstand what wanting assurances mean
There are also a ton of assumptions being made here in a negative light based on someone thats simply negotiating their work contract. Maybe i missed it but what is Nwaneri actually quoted saying?
In your own life, I’d expect you to negotiate your working conditions too 🙂
It’s not him negotiating…this is the issue with young footballers in that often it’s a family member or friend or more likely a small agent that has got lucky and now chancing his arm tto make a quick buck !
Wr have seen this movie many times and ain’t can’t think of any successes where the young kid wins !
well, if he thinks he can get a better offer he will leave. i do think we should use academy players, and to buy 2 attackers beside saka, ödegaard well then he is need to get less time then last year, and a fair concern for an ambitious teenager, we will offer 5 years, that can be a big choice he makes. is we ask for 3 years im sure he would accept. but to be fair he was better than most players for a while! and enormous potential. if we lose him for free more or less, no psr bonuses and we lose a womder kid.. so i say be reasonble, he probably want top be squad player, not regular.
That’s the point if he leaves he won’t make it to the top level as it shows he lacks the mentality
I just hope Nwaneri realises how much the club and fans appreciate him and look forward to seeing his development. As mentioned in the article, whoever’s good enough will play. If anything, it could well be his agent like last time.
We don’t know exactly what his demands are, media speculation is a perpetual witch-hunt, if anything I think people are assuming that as his hours diminished toward the end of the season that may be what is creating an issue in negotiations. Truthfully, his form waned and full-backs doubled up on him and effectively made him redundant, hence why more goals ended up coming from LW and Merino and Rice. But he’s still so young, and at a team aiming for greatness and building an excellent squad, hopefully he understands he’ll be a major part of that and that he’s in the ideal group to help nurture and evolve his talents.
I expect he thinks regular 1st team games will propel him into the 2026 World Cup squad. Kids at 18 see the future in months not years. He has immense talent developed through Arsenal but these days loyalty, respect and professional judgement mean nothing compared to rapid fame. We’ll have the same problem eventually with Dowman. Other clubs will deliberately make promises which Arteta won’t. Who’ll be right nobody knows because ability and opportunity can carry great, short-term uncertainties. Arteta may be damed if he does and damned if he doesn’t. Who’d be a football manager.
Go read what Dowmans dad just posted… He isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Arsenal family through and through
Indeed Sean – a positive response from his Dad.
Remember Ian Wright? When he knew Arsenal wanted him: “Where do I sign?”…oblivious to the money or contract. Different times, of course but there is no way that Arsenal will ever pander to a teenagers demands…however great they think they are. Chido Obi, a case in point.
Bold post Dan. I like it. Ultimatums are always a dumb thing to attempt in a job-related negotiation.
That said, we haven’t seen the negotiations up close. Not sure exactly what he’s asking for. From his perspective, I can totally understand if he wants his development continuing toward the first team. The club of course can’t promise anything, and I don’t know but *maybe* their initial discussions were a little too ambiguous about his role going forward? Maybe he just wants more clarity. Again, ultimatums are dumb, but maybe he’s asking for something reasonable…
I just read that Nwaneri is not even a starter in the England Under 21’s team.
So what kind of guarantee for first team football must he be demanding.
He needs to relax as he is only just turned 18 years old. Reminds me of when Martinelli was trying to break into the team. We were all complaining about the lack of opportunities Arteta was affording him.
Relax young man. I am yet to see any of our academy youngsters that have left in the last 3 seasons make into any top clubs starting 11. They all were saying they wanted more playing time in the first team but have they go that at the clubs they went to?
Absolutely spot on !!!
That’s exactly what I was thinking. If he can’t be a starter for England U21, why should he be a starter for Arsenal.
MLS has effectively benched Calafiori and on the verge of sending Zinny packing. The truth is he hasn’t had the level of impact that’d make him play ahead of Saka or Odergaad even if I think he should be ahead of Vieira.
While I love him to bits and desperately wants him to extend his contract,I hope he makes the right decision which I believe is staying at Arsenal.
Many thanks again for the author of the article for an interesting and very informative read – thank you 🙌
Some of us are often complaining when we “loose” some of our academy players to other clubs. There´s absolutely no need for that. Why? Because of what we want to achieve. If we want to win some big trophies, we must have the best possible quality in terms of players for each and every position – actually 2 for each position. There is no way we can keep too many of our academy talents. Only the best of the best. Unfortunately this is the truth if we really want to accomplish our big goals.
Now, Nwnaneri has that quality, he is a “keepr” in that sense for sure. But he must understand the big picture. And in addition to develope his footballing qualities, he must develope his attitude, his mental side in general as well. (I am quite sure he is an intelligent young ladd and there will be no problems). He will understand that the club/manager will NEVER give any assurances of playing time for ANY player, this is the way it has been and will be. Nwnaneri will understand this and settle for this, I am sure.
Take Phill Foden´s case for example ( I know Foden is not our player but still a good example …) Nwaneri already got more minutes that Foden did in his age. And Foden took his chances with both hands so he basically kept on doubling his minutes season after season. The same will happen to Nwaneri, if he keeps his head down and keeps on developing the right way. I am quite sure Nwaneri will be shown stats of Foden´s case. Nwnaneri also knows there´s another super talented, younger academy player named Max Dowman, “chasing him” which will keep him humble and on his toes competition wise. Everything will be all right.
I sincerely hope they will both make it all the way. COYG!!
Cheers mate
If there’s absolutely no need to complain about loosing academy players, then there’s also absolutely no need to complain about having a thin squad when the going gets tough.
Academy players are the cheapest way to get squad players compared to spending millions and paying huge salaries to sign squad players.
Giving an assurance of more playing time is just a show of intent. Sending a clear message to the player that he is valued by the club and we will do what we can to help him make it here. Unfortunately some people make it out to be something like we swear in the name of God to keep playing the player even if he sucks
Arsenal does not give any assurances of minutes for any player, it has been this way and probably always will be. Not my opinion, this is a fact. All of us fans should know it, no big secret.
Now, what comes to the squad, we will have more than enough players registered and this is the case every single year. (the club registers the whole academy for the squad every season…) I know this fact, you know it and so does everyone else. So no need to paint any false illusions about this.
The best of the best will make it all tyhe with the club. This is how it is with all clubs, no drama about it.
Sorry I didn’t know we have such a strong squad. I guess those fans who claimed our squad was thin last season must just be a bunch of moaners who didn’t know better
Ethan seeking minutes shouldn’t be a problem except he insist on a guaranteed place in the starting 11 or doesn’t want to play elsewhere but midfield, because for me I see him a capable player at the RW position rather than midfield. So technically he should be the one to compete (yes, I used the word “compete”) with Bukayo at RW, or maybe bring a different dimension to that role being a player with midfielder instincts. It’s better we keep hold of him for the reasons I stated above instead of going for some ridiculous deal to sign that Chelsea guy.
Exactly. Seeking minutes is what you play football for. Not sitting on bench and coming on with 1 min remaining.
Or just go on loan.
Irresponsible post by the media again.
A witch hunt against a young boy you call one of your own.
We grown people actually need to grow up at times and avoid drafting such nonsense just to get hit on the internet. It is not fair that you and other media outlets claim without knowing that an 18 year old is making claims a club he supports, loves and wants to succeed at.
Ethan Nwaneri grew up in Arsenal and wants to be a success but also knows that he may not be as trusted in the team when everyone is fit. Which leaves him sitting on the bench week in week out.
He only played last year when Artete had no other options he could play in the Saka position and Mikel did not put in in for Odegaard at all (maybe for a few minutes here and there) Even when Odegaard was injured and was clearly out of form and costing Arsenal points.
Fans screamed for Odegaard to be taken off. But noooo Mikel is loyal to his favourite players.
He ran Saka into the ground until he got overly injured. That’s right Saka was playing matches with injury before the full 90mins he was forced to play caught up with him.
Each time. The Gaffa looked to other players. Not Ethan. Then eventually a few last minute cameos showed the Gaffa that he can play the boy.
Let’s be clear. In a full strength Arsenal team. Ethan shines. With the makeshift teams and a low block – Arsenal were crap. Which affected Ethan later on.
The bottom line is.
Once everyone was back fit. Ethan played 9 mins in the last 10 matches of the season. 1mins, 4mins, 4mins. (apart from the very last match against Soton.) Which was clearly strategic as the contract talks loomed.
Artete did not trust him for whatever reason.
SO ETHAN can request to know if he is actually part of the team and if he will be given opportunities or he will be left to rot on the bench.
Your write up is lazy and irresponsible if you wanted to make Arsenal fans turn against one of their own.
You should be giving a fair account for both sides and how it might feel for a player who does not want to sign for 5 years with having a pathway.
Odegaad will start. Fair enough – likely replaced by – Trossard, Merino, Kai, Even Rice… Then the new signing and Nwaneri.
Saka will start. Fair enough then replaced by: Trossard, Kai, Martinelli, a new signing then Nwaneri.
But who comes in off the bench or replaces them when they need a rest or drop in form. Never Nwaneri unless the gaffa runs out of ideas or if senior players whisper to him on the bench.
I hope you can be a be fair when you do these write ups so our fans dont target another young boy from you poor choices of word and assumptions.
Ethan loves Arsenal.
Arsenal can not guarantee him a chance.
Arsenal probably dont wanna send him on loan (suitable)
Chances Arsenal want him to sign big contractor so they can get mega bucks for him and not lose him on a free.
Remember Arsenal gotta win the title next year and will not have time for youth development. Only Myles get that nod. Because we had 6 average left backs.
Mikel plays the same 11 most matches for 90 mins. lol
So no point banking on Nwaneri playing or even getting much of a chance.
Let the people get the reassurance about exactly where he fits in. And if it is not for him then we should let him go. We all know they just dont want the free transfer thing to happen. Especially with Chelsea sniffing. – Come on Arsenal. Title next year or change things up.
Lol, a total sh**t analysis. In fact he did not play because his form has waned and defenders got the best out of duels with him. He did not bring anything more when played, that’s it. Nothing more, nothing less.
Don’t agree with all you said but can’t argue with the part that MA only played him when he had no other options. There were some games when Odegaard was clearly off form and Nwaneri was overlooked as a decent option to replace an ineffective playmaker.
This is just a case of a young player looking out for his own career, somewhat like how Emi Martinez asked to be number 1 when he stepped up. Unfortunately nothing creates more media buzz than conflict, so let’s paint Nwaneri as the bad guy
A witch hunt ?
It’s his choice to sign a new contract
He simply hasn’t played well enough ( of true ) to be demanding guarantees
So his goals and assists count for nothing? Bukayo wasn’t even putting up his numbers at 17 at senior level, cos he was still at the academy level yet to break out. Not sure how you want a 17 to perform in order to seek guarantees of playing time. 🤔
Considering we were below standard last season couldn’t even expect much from him.
Some people are now talking like he contributed nothing and we didn’t need him at all last season. Poor chap is being thrown under the bus by the media for asking for more game time
That’s your view. I would give him the assurance he wants because it costs nothing. If he signs, we have the option of selling him when we deem fit versus having to sell him now with only 1 year left in his contract if he doesn’t
I think the start of the second line in the article sums things up:
“If it is true”, a phrase repeated further down as well, presumably in case you missed the pretty important qualification the first time around.
So, we don’t know whether Nwaneri (or his agent and/or family member etc) has actually said anything at all. If he/they did though, we don’t know what “guarantees” (odd word to use really) are being sought. As others have said, players, let alone youngsters, don’t ask for that kind of certainty in an uncertain game like professional football, where form and injuries play such a big part.
Rather than getting too worked up on the basis of very little, if any, hard facts, I suggest we wait and see what happens. Personally, I’d be surprised if young Nwaneri wasn’t at Arsenal for quite some time to come yet, irrespective of guarantees.
Spot on Dan I share your thoughts. You can not blackmail the club that nurtured you from KG upwards. Nwaneri’s antics are disservice to his growth. Is he dreaming of following Ayden and Obi to Utd? Ramsdale exited seeking regular place but ended up in the championship losing in the process his England place.
Why would he not want some clarification, I rate arteta inn some aspects but player management and rotation is not one of them . The young lad had some pretty good moments this season , individually better than most and what was his reward ? 9 minutes in last ten games . I couldn’t believe he wasn’t brought on earlier against psg in either leg . Maybe it’s because he’s too clinical and Mikel prefers players that fluff their lines 😆
It’s not a surprise Arsenal keep losing their academy players. A clear pathway involves game time and Nwaneri is within his rights to ask for guaranteed minutes to develop further. But I think he’s going to stay, he’s a big talent and Arsenal wouldn’t want to lose him, watch the space.
I don’t know how much is true if the reports are correct about Nwaneri wanting some guarantees about playing time before he’ll commit to a new contract.
It makes me laugh to a degree, because while I know that said player wants to play regularly, when your young and are trying to establish yourself in said team, you’ve got to show some patience.
Especially if your trying to break into one of the top sides. You’ll always be facing competition. And if you can’t handle that then to put it bluntly, your at the wrong club.
And what makes me laugh even more, is when these young players who haven’t done anything in the game yet, start giving their ultimatums.
As I said, if they can’t handle the competition for places, jog on and shut the door behind you. 👍
Thanks, you have said it all, patient is actually what he needs, if he is thrown straight to the line up, it will damage his progress, this is premier league.