Mikel Arteta has revealed that despite Ethan Nwaneri’s impressive performances for Arsenal’s first team this season, the young talent is still not allowed in the senior dressing room.
The 17-year-old made his debut at just 15, becoming the Premier League’s youngest-ever player when he featured against Brentford two years ago. Since then, he has had limited opportunities but has fully broken into the senior squad this season under Arteta.
Nwaneri made an impact in his first Champions League start, scoring in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Girona, and continued his strong form with a stunning long-range goal in the 5-1 victory against Manchester City. He has now made 22 appearances in all competitions.
Despite his rise, Arteta confirmed that Nwaneri is still required to use a separate dressing room due to his young age. Unlike Myles Lewis-Skelly, who turned 18 in September and can access the senior facilities, Nwaneri must change elsewhere, even on match days.
Arteta acknowledged the strong bond between Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly, emphasizing how important that connection is for the young players.
Arsenal faces Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg on Wednesday, needing to overturn a 2-0 deficit. Ahead of the match, Arteta admitted disappointment over the club’s failure to sign a striker in the winter transfer window but remained confident in his squad’s ability to adapt.
He noted that Arsenal had specific criteria for new signings and, despite missing out, would remain flexible with their attacking options. Arteta highlighted players like Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, and even Nwaneri as potential solutions for the team’s frontline.
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