Arsenal legend Ian Wright has called on manager Mikel Arteta to grant more playing time to 17-year-old midfielder Ethan Nwaneri, especially in light of the team’s recent struggles and Martin Ødegaard’s injury. After a 2-0 Premier League defeat to Bournemouth and a narrow 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Champions League, Wright emphasized that Nwaneri’s creativity could offer Arsenal a much-needed spark.

Wright, speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, believes Nwaneri should have started against Bournemouth instead of the more rigid midfield of Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, and Thomas Partey. He highlighted Nwaneri’s impressive form, including his two-goal performance in the Carabao Cup, as proof that the young talent deserves a larger role in Ødegaard’s absence.

Despite limited minutes, Nwaneri has scored twice in four appearances this season. Wright hopes Arteta will take a chance on the midfielder to add diversity and creativity to Arsenal’s lineup moving forward.