Arsenal fast-tracked Ethan Nwaneri after interest from Manchester Utd and Liverpool
According to The Metro, Arsenal decided to fast-track Ethan Nwaneri following interest from Premier League rivals Manchester United and Liverpool.
Arsenal’s win over Brentford saw the youngster set a new Premier League record by becoming the youngest player to feature in the Premier League at the age of just 15 years and 181 days.
Nwaneri has been highly rated by the Arsenal staff and manager Mikel Arteta decided to name the youngster on the bench for the game against Brentford following his impressive training sessions with the first team.
Speaking post the victory (h/t Metro) over Brentford, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta spoke highly of the new record holder and admitted it was a ‘gut feeling’ to name the player on the bench.
Stress should be given to Arteta’s quotes where he mentions Arsenal’s history of giving young players a chance in the senior team. He is correct with his statement as the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott amongst others were all given their opportunities to shine by Arsene Wenger.
However, according to the Metro, there is an added layer of reasoning as to why the youngster was given his debut, which was to fend off interest from rivals Liverpool and Manchester United. interested in acquiring the services of the 15-year-old.
Liverpool have been on the trajectory of signing young talent who can go on to represent the first team in years to come. Fabio Carvalho, Harvey Elliot and Sepp van den Berg are just a few of the notable mentions.
More Liverpool News
- Transfer News: Liverpool ‘eyeing move’ for Southampton defender Armel Bella-Kotchap
- Transfer News: Liverpool target Joao Gomes pens new contract at Flamengo
- Former Chelsea defender Jason Cundy singles out Virgil van Dijk for Liverpool’s poor form
Hence, acquiring the services of Nwaneri would fall in the line with such an approach. At the same time would be an easier deal to conclude before he becomes a regular member of the Arsenal senior team.
There is a long way to go before the youngster builds a name for himself but the trust shown by his manager and staff speaks volumes of their high opinion of the record-breaking youngster.
