Mikel Arteta has revealed that Arsenal wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri is banned from the senior dressing room despite starring for the first-team this season.

Arteta Reveals ‘Unbelievable’ Reason Ethan Nwaneri Is Banned from Arsenal’s First-Team Dressing Room

Despite his impressive performances for Arsenal this season, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri is still not allowed to use the club’s senior dressing room due to his age.

Nwaneri, who made history as the Premier League’s youngest-ever player at just 15, has emerged as one of Arsenal’s brightest young talents. He has played a key role in recent weeks, scoring in the Champions League against Girona and netting a stunning long-range goal in Arsenal’s 5-1 victory over Manchester City.

However, manager Mikel Arteta revealed that, unlike his fellow young teammate Myles Lewis-Skelly—who turned 18 in September—Nwaneri is still required to get changed in a separate dressing room.

“Ethan cannot be in our dressing room still, which is unbelievable,” Arteta explained. “He needs to get dressed somewhere else, even on match day.”

Arteta acknowledged the strong bond between Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly, emphasizing how important it is for young players to have close connections as they integrate into the senior squad.

Arsenal will next face Newcastle in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, needing to overturn a 2-0 deficit at St. James’ Park.

Arteta Admits Striker Frustration but Backs Nwaneri and Others to Step Up

Ahead of Arsenal’s crucial Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle, Mikel Arteta expressed his disappointment over the club’s failure to sign a striker in the January transfer window.

“We had a clear intention to explore the opportunities to improve our squad with players that can impact it. And we haven’t achieved that, so we are disappointed in that sense,” Arteta admitted. However, he emphasized the club’s commitment to signing only the right kind of player, adding, “We have to be very disciplined with that as well.”

Despite the setback, Arteta remains optimistic about Arsenal’s attacking options, suggesting that versatility within the squad will be key for the remainder of the season. “We’re going to have to be very flexible with the front line,” he explained, naming Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, Raheem Sterling, and even 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri as potential solutions.

With Arsenal still fighting for silverware, Arteta hinted that trying something different in attack might be necessary, though only time will tell whether the club’s lack of a new striker will prove costly.