Arsenal teenager Ethan Nwaneri has been included in today’s first team squad to face Brentford by Mikel Arteta.
The 15-year-old was promoted to first team training this week, with Arteta impressed by the midfielder’s appearances for the U21s this term.
Nwaneri had been expected to spend the season with the Gunners’ U18s but he was promoted to the U21s due to his impressive performances.
The teenager was left out of the U21s draw with Wolves on Saturday as he was told he would be training with the first team ahead of their trip across .
And Nwaneri is part of the squad for today’s clash against the Bees, with the midfielder hopeful of earning a place on the bench.
While Nwaneri may not earn his debut for the club, the decision to include him in the squad is recognition of his progress in the last 12 months.
Arteta is keen to show the midfielder that there is a pathway to him into the first team, as there’s significant interest in Nwaneri’s services across the Premier League.
Nwaneri has scored four goals and provided four assists in his appearances for the U18s and U21s this season.
Arsenal are looking to get back to winning ways after they lost their 100% start to the season with a 3-1 defeat to Manchester United a fortnight ago.
Manchester City regained top spot with a 3-0 win against Wolves on Saturday but the Gunners can go back on top again by beating the Bees.
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