Mikel Arteta has opened the door to Ethan Nwaneri potentially leaving Arsenal, admitting that a move could suit all parties if regular minutes are not guaranteed.
Nwaneri returned to north London at the end of last season after a frustrating loan spell at Marseille, during which his commitment was questioned.
Pre-season form
The 19-year-old has impressed in pre-season, scoring against Borussia Dortmund in the Emirates Cup and looking sharp again when starting in the draw with Como on Wednesday night.
However, Nwaneri's future at Arsenal remains uncertain and it is understood that the club would be open to listening to significant offers for his services.
Arteta's stance
Speaking at his press conference on Friday ahead of the Community Shield against Manchester City, Arteta insisted that although he wanted to keep Nwaneri, the player's development would be the deciding factor in any transfer decision.
“I want him to be at the club but something is in the medium and long-term, what is the best for the player as well,” Arteta said.
“Ethan needs to play football. If he stays here, it's because we can guarantee that he can have those minutes. Otherwise, it's just something that is not good for anybody, I think.”
Progress and maturity
Arteta said after the Como match that Nwaneri looked "a lot more mature" after his difficult loan stint in France.
Habib Beye, then Marseille head coach, warned in April that Nwaneri needed "to give us way more in his day-to-day commitment".
Arteta again spoke in direct contrast to that, emphasising the progress the teenager has made over the past six months.
"I don't know on the plans but certainly it opens your eyes in terms of how much a young player can evolve in such a short period," Arteta said.
"An experience abroad with certain difficulties and challenges, what you can get out of that.
"I think he's done it in a brilliant way. It's unquestionable the talent, the desire, the love and the passion he has for the game. It's something that I always loved about Ethan.
"I think he had some great games, he's shown everybody that he has the ability to be here."
