Arsenal’s teenage midfielder Ethan Nwaneri has praised the club’s senior players for their support, which he believes has been instrumental in his and fellow academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly’s successful integration into the first team this season.
Nwaneri, of Nigerian descent, and Lewis-Skelly have been standout performers for the Gunners, contributing to the team’s impressive run to the Champions League semifinals.
“That’s testament to the way that the players treat us. They treat us like we’re men, ever since we first came in. They’ve treated us well, like we’re part of the team, so that’s just how we feel now,” Nwaneri said.
He highlighted the mentorship of teammates Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, stating, “Declan and Bukayo are very close to us. They help us out, they keep us grounded, they lift us up when we need it as well. They’ve been brilliant.”
Reflecting on his early experiences with the senior squad, Nwaneri added, “I wouldn’t say nervous (joining the first team), but there was a different pressure that I was feeling.
“I saw that was a good thing, that it shows that I care. I was fine with all that sort of stuff.”
Both Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly have made significant strides this season, with Nwaneri becoming a key deputy for both Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, while Lewis-Skelly has established himself as Arsenal’s first-choice left-back.
Their development has not gone unnoticed, as Arsenal are reportedly close to securing new long-term contracts for both players, ensuring their continued growth within the club’s ranks.
Manager Mikel Arteta has emphasized the importance of nurturing homegrown talent, stating, “If we have to put energy, the most energy we have to put is making sure that the players that we have with us are happy, they feel valued, they feel very much part of what we are doing, they feel important.”
