It seems like a lifetime ago that Ethan Nwaneri became the youngest player in Premier League history while wearing the Arsenal shirt. Over the course of last season, he firmly established himself as part of the first team, but regular game time has eluded him. As a result, the Gunners are reportedly prepared to sanction a loan move, with Bournemouth emerging as the frontrunners.
Ethan Nwaneri made history during the 2022/23 campaign when he became the youngest player ever to feature in the Premier League at just 15 years old. However, he only managed one appearance in the following season as well. Last term proved to be the breakthrough campaign for the talented teenager, as he cemented his place in Mikel Arteta's Gunners squad. Naturally, his minutes were limited, with most of his appearances coming in cup competitions. Nevertheless, he demonstrated that he has what it takes to be a valuable asset for Arsenal. This season, Arteta has deployed him as a central midfielder on several occasions, and he has not disappointed. Yet the youngster himself may be frustrated by his lack of playing time, which remains extremely limited.
Arsenal's superstar is not playing
Since starting against Slavia Prague, has only featured in two matches for a combined total of 22 minutes. On nine separate occasions, he has been an unused substitute on the bench. Given that he no longer plays for the Premier League 2 side or the Under-19s, despite still being eligible by age, he is simply not playing at all. This is far from ideal for an 18-year-old footballer, and Mikel Arteta must be well aware of this. Nwaneri is not developing, and a loan move where he would play regularly and establish himself as a star would be absolutely ideal for his progression. According to reports, there are several interested parties.
Will Nwaneri leave?
According to English media outlets, Bournemouth are leading the race for the teenager. The Cherries, under Andoni Iraola, play a technical brand of football that could suit Nwaneri perfectly. He could even serve as a replacement for Antoine Semenyo, currently the team's biggest star, who has decided to leave the club. While Nwaneri is a completely different type of player, there are similarities with the likes of Marcus Tavernier or Justin Kluivert in the squad.
A move to newly-promoted Leeds United also looks like an intriguing option. Nwaneri would arrive as a star attraction at Elland Road, joining a side that also prioritises playing attractive football. The Peacocks have also hit form in recent weeks, making them an appealing destination for the Arsenal wonderkid.
This article was originally published on FotbalPortal.
