Snapped: Arsenal coach promotes 16yo Anglo-Nigerian starlet to first team training pre-Man Utd

Arsenal first team manager Mikel Arteta ran the rule over England U17 international of Nigerian descent Ethan Nwaneri ahead of his side's blockbuster Premier League meeting with Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners held their final training session pre-Manchester United at London Colney on Saturday, September 2, with the 16-year-old pictured training with the first team stars 

Nwaneri wasn't invited to train with the first team to make up the numbers, given that he has been the standout player for Arsenal's development squad in the new season. 

The first year scholar scored his first competitive hat-trick for Arsenal youth teams in a 4-1 win over Leicester City in the Premier League 2 on August 18, bagged an assist in the opening day win against West Ham United, and provided another assist in the EFL Trophy clash against the first team of Swindon Town. 

Nwaneri's last squad involvement at first team level came against Brentford on September 18, 2022, coming off the bench to replace Fabio Vieira for a Premier League record. 

Aged 15 years and 181 days, Nwaneri entered the record books as the youngest ever player in Premier League history and also became the youngest footballer to play for Arsenal in a competitive game.

The Anglo-Nigerian wonderkid is expected to sign his first professional contract at Arsenal in March 2024.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: arsenal.com

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