“He’s always ahead of what I expected” - Mikel Arteta suggests Arsenal teenager is set to play in Premier League

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has indicated that youngster Ethan Nwaneri could potentially be in line for a bigger role in the squad. The 17-year-old has been impressive whenever called upon, delivering some sharp cameos for the senior team.

Nwaneri made his senior debut off the bench against Brentford in the 2022-23 Premier League season. At 15 years and 181 days old, Nwaneri became the youngest player in Premier League history, breaking the record held by Liverpool's Harvey Elliott (16 years and 30 days).

Since then, he has made two more league appearances off the bench (one each in 2023-24 and 2024-25). He was finally handed a spot in the Gunners' starting lineup against Bolton Wanderers (September 25) in the third round of the 2024-25 EFL Cup.

Nwaneri grabbed the opportunity with both hands, scoring a goal in each half (37', 49') and being a constant threat throughout the 90 minutes. Hinting that the midfielder could have greater involvement in Arsenal's squad moving forward, Arteta said (via Metro):

"He's improving daily. They (the squad) really respect him. You can tell he's playing without pressure, with confidence, with a way of making decisions that tells you that the boy is ready at this level. Today he had a really strong performance and I'm happy to see that."

Speaking about a potential start for Nwaneri in the league, the Spanish tactician added:

"Let's go, it's another step, I think it's ahead of what anyone could have expected, in his journey with the first-team he's always ahead of what anyone expected and what I expected as well. He's part of us so he will have the minutes."

Up next, Arsenal will take on Leicester City in a Premier League fixture on September 28.

"He was really composed" - Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta heaps praise on 16-year-old first-team debutant

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was full of praise for young shotstopper Jack Porter, who enjoyed an impressive outing in the Gunners' 5-1 thrashing of Bolton Wanderers in the EFL Cup.

First-choice keeper David Raya picked up a niggle in the North Londoners' 2-2 draw against Manchester City (September 22). Arteta called up Porter to replace him, making him the youngest starter in club history in the process (16 years, 71 days).

Speaking to the media post-game about Porter's solid performance, the 42-year-old said (via TBR Football):

"I think he spoke to his family and they weren't prepared for that. It's a big step, it's a big occasion for them and I think they were nervous about it. But I think he reacted really well, he was really composed yesterday in training and today as well. His teammates really helped him as well on that. What an experience and what a way to break a record."

If Raya is sidelined for an extended period of time, Porter will likely become a regular in the senior squad as Brazilian shotstopper Neto's backup.