The ‘amazing’ tactical change Mikel Arteta could make at Arsenal when Bukayo Saka returns

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Arsenal are going to be without some of their key attacking players for the forseeable future.

Indeed, Kai Havertz is out for the season, as is Gabriel Jesus, while Gabriel Martinelli is out injured too.

Bukayo Saka is also out for the forseeable future, but in Saka’s absence, a new star has emerged.

Indeed, Ethan Nwaneri as earned tons of plaudits in recent weeks, and he has looked more than capable of acting as Saka’s replacement.

Nwaneri has been brilliant lately, and, it’s fair to say that, at the moment, the teenager is almost undroppable.

Speaking on The Weekend Wrap, Dion Dublin has been discussing Nwaneri’s role in this Arsenal team once Bukayo Saka returns, and he says that the young attacker could change position and play down the left once Saka is back in action.

• READ MORE: Arsenal have now decided not to sign striker who was offered to Mikel Arteta in January

Ethan Nwaneri could play as a left winger

Dublin claimed that Nwaneri could play as a left-sided player once Saka is back.

The teenager has been shining down the right in recent weeks, but Dublin reckons it could be an amazing partnership if he plays down the left with Saka on the opposite flank.

“Could he play Saka wide right and Nwaneri wide left?” The host asked.

“He’s exciting. Yes, yes, he does as he’s told and he goes down the left. I think Arteta is that kind of manager as well. Arteta will say ‘you’ve been brilliant, but get on the left with Saka on the right.’ That would be amazing,” Dublin said.

What Mikel Arteta has said about changing Ethan Nwaneri’s position

The unfortunate reality is that Nwaneri may have to move position once Saka is back.

Indeed, as good as Nwaneri has been down that right side, that position remains Saka’s to lose.

Luckily, there is a spot on the left wing potentially opening up. After all, Gabriel Martinelli has been criticised this season, and Arsenal have been looking for new left wingers – Nico Williams has been strongly linked to Arsenal recently.

Nwaneri could play down the left wing, and Mikel Arteta has even said he could change Nwaneri’s role.

“Depending on who they are surrounded with and which position, Ethan can play as a right attacking midfielder, left attacking midfielder, as a right winger and there is another position he can develop into in a few years time.”

“Nine. He’s got the goal in front of him and he just looks at the goal. He has a tremendous ability to put the ball in the back of the net.”

Arteta has already said that Nwaneri can play down the left, while, interestingly, the youngster has played in that position once before.

Nwaneri has played one game as a left winger, a U18 fixture against Fulham in August 2022, and, lo and behold, in that game he managed to get an assist.

Nwaneri moving to the left wing could be something to keep an eye on.