Paul Merson has been hearing that Arsenal have a ‘special’ teenager on their books now

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal’s academy has played a massive part in the revolution in north London under Mikel Arteta in recent years.

Bukayo Saka remains one of Arsenal’s most important players, Emile Smith Rowe, arguably, saved Mikel Arteta’s job back in the 2020/21 season, while Eddie Nketiah popped up with some vital goals during his time at the club.

The Gunners’ academy has produced some stars in recent years, and it looks like there could be another on the production line.

Indeed, Ethan Nwaneri scored his first Arsenal goals on Wednesday evening against Bolton in the Carabao Cup, and it’s fair to say he looks like a gem.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Paul Merson has been discussing Nwaneri’s impact, and he says that he’s heard whispers around Arsenal that this young man is a special talent.

• READ MORE: What one Arsenal player text messaged another after 2-2 Manchester City draw

Ethan Nwaneri is special

Paul Merson discussed Nwaneri and his ability.

“Arsenal are putting their kids in just at the right time when the team are flying and the players around them are full of confidence,” Merson said.

“You still have to get on that pitch and in front of 60,000 people and perform. Fair play to Arsenal and fair play to him, you hear the whispers, the kid is a special player, a special player, he just needs to be patient because he’s at one of the best clubs in the world.”

What has Mikel Arteta said about Ethan Nwaneri

You have to be a special player to be scoring goals for Arsenal at the age of 17, and Nwaneri is doing just that.

Mikel Arteta clearly trusts this player, and he’s spoken highly of him in the past.

“He’s been doing really well, physically very mature, personally very mature, his game understanding has improved a lot,” Arteta has said.

“And then let him do. He has an enormous quality, a lot of talent and he needs the space to shine.”

Of course, Nwaneri is just 17 years old, so there does need to be an element of patience with this young man, but it’s hard not to get excited about what the future could hold for the teenage midfielder.