Latest news with #Nwaneri
Metro
a day ago
- Sport
- Metro
Man Utd tipped to sign another huge Arsenal talent by former coach
Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen has tipped Ruben Amorim to launch an audacious bid to sign Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri. The teenager made a stunning impact last season with his boyhood club and is now a firmly established member of Mikel Arteta's first team. Nwaneri followed up his breakthrough campaign by starring for England's Under-21 side that won the European Championship earlier this summer. The 18-year-old has featured prominently in pre-season so far and is understood to be on the cusp of signing a new long-term deal, despite significant transfer interest from Chelsea. With that contract still unsigned, however, Meulensteen hasn't ruled out the possibility of United coming up with a tempting counter offer. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you. The likes of Ayden Heaven and Chido Obi have both found new homes at Old Trafford in the last 12 months having made their names at the increasingly prolific Hale End Academy. Nwaneri already has stiff competition for a place in Arsenal's midfield in the shape of Martin Odegaard and with Max Dowman making rapid progress he faces plenty of obstacles, not accounting for the potential arrival of Eberechi Eze from Cystal Palace. 'Ayden Heaven looks to be an astute bit of business and it's interesting that there is a pathway of players moving from Arsenal to Manchester United with Chido Obi another one,' Meulensteen told Grosvenor Casino. 'These players have had a good education and for whatever reason they didn't see a way forward at their particular club, United acted swiftly and we've seen them do well. 'Ethan Nwaneri could be another one, it's interesting that other Arsenal players have been keen on United. 'What I would say on Nwaneri, I think there will be a bit more of a tug-of-war going on and more financial demands than with those two.' United's current transfer focus appears to be centering on their search for a new centre forward with Benjamin Sesko and Ollie Watkins their top targets. 'The opportunities that the young players have got here in the past,' Heaven told MUTV when asked why he decided to join Manchester United earlier this year. 'I think United had the most minutes given to teenagers last season [2023/24]. That convinced me to come here. 'And the people and the fans here are quite loving, and I felt that when I was playing. They're so supportive.' Given his age and Premier League experience, many view Watkins as the option most likely to register an instant impact, but Meulensteen fears it would foolish to draw comparisons with Robin van Persie who joined the club at a similar stage in his career. 'At that particular time, we had sort of this philosophy and strategy of bringing in younger players in and then developing them,' Sir Alex Ferguson's former No.2 said. 'However, we all felt that we needed quality and experience in that squad. 'We did have conversations with senior players in the squad just to test the water a little bit. In 2012 we all felt that they felt we needed somebody that had that wow factor when they walked through the door. More Trending 'That player was Robin Van Persie, that is a big wow. It gave everyone a lift and you don't need any time to get him settled, he was a proven player. 'Maybe that is less so with Ollie Watkins, Van Persie is considered one of the best players that has ever played in the Premier League and that is a high mark. 'For us at that particular time, we felt that we needed somebody to come in that complimented us. Obviously, that was a bullseye signing. 'We won the league and he scored 30 goals, it was fantastic.' MORE: Man Utd eyeing up two strikers after giving up on £80m Chelsea transfer target MORE: Arsenal want to make Eberechi Eze their seventh summer signing – on one condition MORE: West Ham eye transfer move for forgotten £35million Arsenal star
Metro
6 days ago
- Sport
- Metro
Ferdinand backs Arsenal star to have 'breakout year' and drools over Dowman
Rio Ferdinand is 'begging' Mikel Arteta to give Ethan Nwaneri a greater role next season and believes it could be a 'proper breakout year' for the midfielder if he is handed more opportunities. Nwaneri announced himself as one of English football's most exciting talents last term, rising from Arsenal's academy ranks to establish himself as a genuine first-team option for Arteta, along with fellow Hale End product Myles Lewis-Skelly. The 18-year-old made a total of 37 appearances across the campaign, while chipping in with nine goals in all competitions – numbers he will no doubt be looking to improve on going forward. However, as Arsenal approached the business end of the season in both the Premier League and Champions League, Arteta tended to lean on his more experienced players, with the teenager starting just one of the Gunners' final nine matches. Competition for places in Arsenal's attacking areas means Nwaneri may have to be patient for a regular starting berth. He will, though, be encouraged to have been given the nod for the side's pre-season clash with AC Milan on Wednesday. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. But while Nwaneri shone in Singapore before coming off for Martin Odegaard, it was another wonderkid, Max Dowman, 15, who stole the show with a sublime cameo performance in the second half. After watching Arsenal's 1-0 victory over Milan, Ferdinand drooled over the club's wealth of young talent, with Dowman just the latest prospect to make his mark in the first-team. 'Everyone who watched the podcast knows that there's a different energy about me when I'm talking about young players,' the legendary ex-Manchester United and England defender said on his Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel. 'I was the same with Kobbie Mainoo in the Euros, Phil Foden when he first burst onto the scene, Cole Palmer, Lamine Yamal, obviously, Desire Doue, great young players who just get you off your seat. You watch them and go, 'Oh, yeah! Give me some more of that!' 'This player played one pre-season game. I spoke about him in November and I've probably spoken about him a bit before that as well because I've seen him before as a young kid. Max Dowman, don't forget that name. Arsenal have produced another young gem.' Ferdinand added: 'They've got Nwaneri coming through, too, and I think this season could be his proper breakout year. I hope it will be. 'They've already had [Bukayo] Saka for a few years now who seems like an elder statesman in this changing room and there are 15-year-olds knocking about like Max Dowman. 'He's become one of the youngest Arsenal players to play at the club in a pre-season friendly in Singapore, against AC Milan by the way. Not minnows… AC Milan. 'It's early days but it looks like Declan Rice has taken him under his wing, he posted a picture of him on the coach travelling about.' Having kept tabs on Dowman's progress with interest, Ferdinand believes Arsenal may well have the finest 15-year-old talent in world football on their hands. 'He's definitely the best 15-year-old in the country, probably in Europe right now, maybe the world,' he continued. 'I keep seeing people say, 'Don't hype him!'… what are we in football for? What are we here for? We're here to be entertained, to get excited about young talent. We're here to talk about it, love it, appreciate it. 'We're not putting expectations on his name or saying he's got to play ten games or he's got to score five, ten goals. I'm just saying I love him! 'I want to see this, I want to see these young players coming out. He is a joke.' After Arsenal's defeat of Milan, Mikel Arteta admitted Dowman would have to raise his 'physical levels' if he is to become a first-team regular down the line. But according to Ferdinand, coaches and team-mates at Arsenal have been stunned by what the teen has been producing on a daily basis at the training ground. 'What I'm hearing from some of the people I know in the Arsenal camp is that he is transferring his 15-year-old ability that he showed with the Under-18s with Arsenal, with England,' he explained. 'He's playing years up, with the Under-21s, and shifting that into the first-team when he's training with them. More Trending 'The players and the coaching staff are going, 'We ain't really seen this', and transferring that into the first-team is ridiculous so long may this continue and I hope we're talking more and more about Max Dowman as the season goes on. 'Special shoutout to Ethan Nwaneri as well. I want to see him getting more game-time. Please, Mikel Arteta, play these kids because I think they're good enough. 'He's going to know them because he sees them more than me, but I'm just begging that he can give these kids more game-time while trying to win the Premier League which I know is difficult. 'But when there's talent, it's undeniable sometimes and I think these two boys are undeniable talents.' For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Rio Ferdinand urges Man Utd to 'break the bank' with surprise move for Premier League midfielder MORE: Virgil van Dijk reveals the first thing he said to Liverpool signing Hugo Ekitike MORE: Benjamin Sesko 'gentleman's agreement' revealed after transfer interest from Premier League club
The Irish Sun
22-07-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘He means business' – Ethan Nwaneri in amazing body transformation as Arsenal teen bulks up for new season
ARSENAL fans are ready to see what Ethan Nwaneri can bring to the team next season after spotting his impressive transformation during the summer. Advertisement 8 Arsenal fans have been impressed with Ethan Nwaneri's new filled out physique Credit: Getty 8 The 18-year-old appears to have bulked up over the summer Credit: Getty 8 Nwaneri looked less physical last season Credit: Getty The teen prospect looks to have bulked up after pictures emerged of him during the Gunners' pre-season tour in Singapore. Nwaneri has been tipped for a big future ever since he made his debut for Now supporters are ready to see him take the next step after he broke into the first team on a more regular basis last season. The versatile midfielder racked up nine goals and two assists in all competitions last season in what was effectively his first full campaign as a first team player. Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL Fans online have suggested that Nwaneri "means business" with his new filled out physique after The Nwaneri's current terms expire at the end of the season, but it's claimed he will sign the dotted line on a fresh five-year contract in the coming days. There had been suggestion that Advertisement Most read in Football 8 Nwaneri made his Arsenal debut aged just 15 Credit: Alamy 8 The midfielder impressed in his first full campaign last term CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS When he does officially sign on he will join pal and fellow academy graduate Advertisement Lewis-Skelly, 18, 'It's like Messi... there I said it' - Pundits rave about Arsenal ace Nwaneri as Shearer dubs him 'potential superstar' The breakout star of last season is understood to know be one of the highest paid teenagers in world football. Arsenal are thought to be ready to offer similar terms to Nwaneri. Arsenal fans have plenty to be excited about when it comes to the future of the club and their impressive crop of Hale End talent. Advertisement As well as Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly, While 8 Myles Lewis-Skelly signed a new five-year deal with the Gunners last month Credit: Getty 8 Highly-rated teen Max Dowman is part of Arsenal's pre-season squad Credit: Getty Advertisement 8 Young centre-back Marli Salmon has also made the grade for the Asian tour Credit: Getty
Scottish Sun
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
‘He means business' – Ethan Nwaneri in amazing body transformation as Arsenal teen bulks up for new season
The midfielder is set to sign a new deal at the Emirates YOUNG GUNS 'He means business' – Ethan Nwaneri in amazing body transformation as Arsenal teen bulks up for new season Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ARSENAL fans are ready to see what Ethan Nwaneri can bring to the team next season after spotting his impressive transformation during the summer. Nwaneri, 18, has returned for pre-season looking considerably more physical than he did at the backend of last season. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 Arsenal fans have been impressed with Ethan Nwaneri's new filled out physique Credit: Getty 8 The 18-year-old appears to have bulked up over the summer Credit: Getty 8 Nwaneri looked less physical last season Credit: Getty The teen prospect looks to have bulked up after pictures emerged of him during the Gunners' pre-season tour in Singapore. Nwaneri has been tipped for a big future ever since he made his debut for Arsenal as a 15-year-old back in 2022 - becoming the Premier League's youngest ever player. Now supporters are ready to see him take the next step after he broke into the first team on a more regular basis last season. The versatile midfielder racked up nine goals and two assists in all competitions last season in what was effectively his first full campaign as a first team player. Fans online have suggested that Nwaneri "means business" with his new filled out physique after working on his strength in the off-season. The England U21 international looks set to be a big part of Arsenal's future too, with reports suggesting he is on the brink of putting pen to paper on a new long-term deal. Nwaneri's current terms expire at the end of the season, but it's claimed he will sign the dotted line on a fresh five-year contract in the coming days. There had been suggestion that Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea were amongst a whole host of clubs interested in luring him away from the Emirates, but Nwaneri's priority has always been to stay at his boyhood club. 8 Nwaneri made his Arsenal debut aged just 15 Credit: Alamy 8 The midfielder impressed in his first full campaign last term CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS When he does officially sign on he will join pal and fellow academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly in tying his future down to North London. Lewis-Skelly, 18, signed his own five-year deal last month after interest from Real Madrid. 'It's like Messi... there I said it' - Pundits rave about Arsenal ace Nwaneri as Shearer dubs him 'potential superstar' The breakout star of last season is understood to know be one of the highest paid teenagers in world football. Arsenal are thought to be ready to offer similar terms to Nwaneri. Arsenal fans have plenty to be excited about when it comes to the future of the club and their impressive crop of Hale End talent. As well as Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly, 15-year-old Max Dowman has been earmarked as one of the country's biggest talents and is currently working with the first team in Singapore. While ball-playing centre-back Marli Salmon, 15, is another rising star that was included in Mikel Arteta's 30-man contingent for pre-season in Asia. 8 Myles Lewis-Skelly signed a new five-year deal with the Gunners last month Credit: Getty 8 Highly-rated teen Max Dowman is part of Arsenal's pre-season squad Credit: Getty
The Irish Sun
18-07-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Arsenal star Ethan Nwaneri, 18, turns to England captain in different sport in bid to nail down Gunners starting spot
WHILE others have been on the beach this summer, Ethan Nwaneri has been keeping in shape with England Beach Soccer star Aaron Clarke. Gunners academy graduate future to the club amid interest from 7 Ethan Nwaneri has been put through the paces by England Beach Soccer player Aaron Clarke (far right) Credit: instagram @ethannwaneri & @aaronclark10 7 Arsenal star Nwaneri has been keeping in shape this summer Credit: instagram @ethannwaneri & @aaronclark10 7 The 18-year-old looked ripped as he trained in the summer heat Credit: instagram @ethannwaneri & @aaronclark10 After a breakthrough campaign last term, starting 16 games in all competitions and scoring nine goals, There is also the opportunity to force himself into next summer . That means he has not taken his foot off the pedal during this pre-season . Following a short break after helping Lee Carsley's England U21s win the Euros in Slovakia , Nwaneri was straight back to work with some warm-weather training alongside Clarke. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS Clarke, 34, has been an He combines that with representing England's Beach Soccer team and acting as an ambassador, making over 100 appearances for the side since March 2013. As of November 2024, he had scored 200 goals for the side. Clarke remains a key cog in Arsenal's youth development team, recently involved in a talent search program at the club after nurturing some of their most successful grads. Speaking in September 2023, Clarke explained: 'I have worked with the U9s and now I am working with the U16s, the guys who are turning professional. Most read in Football Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates 'I have watched some of the kids like Bukayo Saka and 'It allows me to make better decisions because I have seen them for 10 or 11 years. Christian Norgaard breaks down in tears after seeing young son in Arsenal kit for the first time 7 'Something I would have said back then, I have much better experience in telling the next generation of what I think is best.' Nwaneri – as well as Aston Villa's summer on Instagram via Electi Training, a high-performance programme for elite football players both in-season and off-season, ahead of joining up with Arsenal for their pre-season camp in Spain and then Singapore and Hong Kong. Clarke is a LifeChange personal trainer, educating clients on active and healthy lifestyles, as well as mental training to 'improve energy , confidence and positivity'. And in a video during some mid-season work with Clarke, Nwaneri was full of praise of his influence on his growth and development. 7 Nwaneri is close to signing fresh terms with MIkel Areta's Gunners Credit: Getty 7 The Emirates forward won the under-21 Euros with former interim England manager Lee Carsley last month Credit: Getty Nwaneri said: 'I want to improve. For example, my power which I have been working on, stretching and mobility as well. That definitely helps with injury prevention. 'The core exercises we do, that also tests the mind as well. You've got Aaron there who is always testing me and he gives you scenarios to help you. 'It gives you the edge on the pitch.' After playing academy football , Clarke was invited to a beach soccer trial in Bournemouth as a 20-year-old. After just six months, he earned his England debut. He has since played abroad for the likes of London . Clarke believes more players should train on sand, and hopes to persuade Arsenal's academy to integrate sand training into their curriculum. He said: 'The issue is the facilities in Arsenal are not going to travel one or two hours down to the coast, but now, the coaches are much more open to trying beach football . 'Especially with the younger ages, because they feel that it gives them a better football player. My next challenge is to find a facility to bring the kids there, and they would love it. 'The benefits are definitely there. Running on sand is much more demanding on the body, for rehab or for pre-season , and definitely improves their fitness levels and their physicality. 'Players who play beach football are technically better than football players. Going from sand to grass, it would make it a lot easier.' 7
