Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was informed about the clubโs future star, Ethan Nwaneri, from the very beginning of his tenure at the Emirates. During a discussion with the then Under-16s coach, Dan Micciche, Arteta was told that Nwaneri had the potential to be the โnext Phil Foden.โ
Despite a challenging start as Arsenalโs head coach, where calls for his dismissal grew louder, Arteta remained steadfast. The Spaniard managed to secure an FA Cup win in 2020, which bought him some time. However, the subsequent struggles, including losing the first three matches of the 2021/22 season, tested the patience of many fans. Yet, the mantra โtrust the processโ prevailed.
Today, Arteta has not only built a competitive first-team squad but has also deeply invested in the clubโs youth system. His commitment to nurturing young talent was evident from his early interaction with Micciche, where he discussed Nwaneriโs potential and future in the senior team. At just 12 years old, Nwaneri was already standing out in the Under-16s, and Arteta was informed that he had qualities similar to Manchester Cityโs rising star, Foden.
Micciche recalled Nwaneriโs exceptional decision-making and even pushed for him to play with the Under-18s at just 14. His foresight proved accurate, as Nwaneri made history as Arsenalโs youngest-ever debutant at the age of 15 in a match against Brentford in September 2022.
Since then, Nwaneri has continued to impress. He recently scored twice in Arsenalโs emphatic victory over Bolton Wanderers in the League Cup, fueling speculation about his potential inclusion in upcoming Premier League fixtures. With Artetaโs dedication to youth development, the search for the โnext Ethan Nwaneriโ is already underway, as the manager continues to scout and develop future talents.