Mikel Arteta has moved to shut down speculation surrounding Ethan Nwaneri’s future, making it clear the teenage midfielder remains part of Arsenal’s plans for the second half of the season.
Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League trip to Bournemouth, the Gunners boss stressed that every player in his squad has a role to play, even if that role changes during the campaign. His comments come as Arsenal prepare for another statement performance on the south coast, as reported by SoftFootball.
Arteta’s words, shared by Fabrizio Romano on his official X account, followed questions over Nwaneri’s limited minutes this season and suggestions that a January loan could aid his development. The Spaniard was firm in response, insisting readiness and performance are the key demands at the club.
Fabrizio Romano posted:
Mikel Arteta on Nwaneri’s future: Every player is very important, every player has a role.
That role can change throughout the season for different reasons & everybody has to be ready to play. That’s it.
Arsenal are coming off an emphatic 4-1 win over Aston Villa that underlined their depth and competitiveness, even if younger players like Nwaneri did not feature.
The 18-year-old has made 11 appearances across all competitions this season, totalling 446 minutes, without starting a Premier League game. His last outing came in the Champions League against Club Brugge on December 10, while his absence from the Villa matchday squad fuelled further debate.
Increased competition has played a major role, with new signings Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke added to an attacking group that also includes Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, both now back from injury.
Arteta has made it clear that rotation is not done for the sake of it. He wants the highest level every three days, and selections are based on current performance.
However, he hinted that opportunities could arise naturally in cup competitions, with the FA Cup tie at Portsmouth and a Champions League clash against Kairat Almaty offering chances for squad players.
Despite the noise, Arsenal’s long-term faith in Nwaneri is clear. The midfielder signed a new five-year contract before the season, underlining the club’s belief in his future. Arteta has previously highlighted how rare it is for an 18-year-old to already have around 50 senior appearances.
Interest from clubs such as Bournemouth has been noted, but Arsenal are relaxed. For now, Nwaneri stays in north London, trusted to stay ready and continue his development within a title-chasing squad.
