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Should Arsenal send Ethan Nwaneri out on loan to aid his development?
(Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Ethan Nwaneri remains a promising young talent in the Arsenal setup, but unlike Myles Lewis-Skelly, he has yet to secure a consistent place in the first team. This lack of guaranteed playing time may be contributing to the delay in extending his current contract, as discussions between the club and the player continue.

Nwaneri showed his potential during the recent season, particularly when Bukayo Saka was sidelined with an injury. The youngster stepped in admirably and delivered performances that impressed many within the club. During that period, he emerged as one of the standout players in the squad, underlining his credentials as a player with top-level quality.

Limited Opportunities Following Saka’s Return

Despite his impressive displays, Nwaneri’s place in the team became uncertain upon Saka’s return to full fitness. This led to speculation about the club’s plans for the young attacker, especially as Mikel Arteta found it difficult to fit him into the starting lineup in other roles.

With Saka considered an indispensable figure at Arsenal, Nwaneri was returned to the bench. While understandable from a tactical perspective, this situation is far from ideal for the player’s development. Young talents thrive on regular game time, and a lack of minutes can hinder their progression and affect their long-term contribution to the team.

Loan Move May Be the Right Solution

Looking ahead to the new campaign, Arsenal must carefully consider how to handle Nwaneri’s development. A loan move could be the most beneficial route at this stage, allowing him to gain the regular experience needed to grow both technically and mentally.

Sending Nwaneri out temporarily would not only support his development but also help maintain or even increase his market value. If Arsenal eventually opt to cash in, his performances elsewhere could attract interest and provide leverage in future negotiations. However, the primary goal should remain to nurture his talent, ensuring he is prepared to return as a stronger and more complete player ready to compete at the highest level.

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This article first appeared on Just Arsenal and was syndicated with permission.

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