'Unbelievable!' - Mikel Arteta reveals Ethan Nwaneri is barred from Arsenal dressing room despite playing prominent first-team role

Nwaneri has enjoyed an impressive start to his senior career, seamlessly stepping into the Arsenal team and providing a much-needed solution to Arteta's right-flank issues. The talented 17-year-old has already made his full Premier League and Champions League debuts, while also delivering standout performances in the Carabao Cup. His goal-scoring ability has been particularly eye-catching, as he has found the net across all three competitions, proving his capability at the highest level.

Another academy graduate, Myles Lewis-Skelly, has also broken into the first team this season, and netted his first Arsenal goal in a 5-1 win over Manchester City. Arteta believes the strong friendship between Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly has helped both youngsters adjust to life at the top level.

Arteta emphasized that having a close friend in the squad is beneficial, especially given Nwaneri still can't enter the dressing room situation due to safeguarding regulations.

"Ethan cannot be in our dressing room still, which is unbelievable. He needs to get dressed somewhere else, even on match day," the manager told reporters.

“So to have somebody close to him that has that trust, that confidence, that link, I think it is lucky. They are very lucky to have each other."

Due to FA safeguarding regulations, players under the age of 18 are not allowed in the senior dressing room. As a result, Nwaneri must get changed separately before joining his team-mates for final preparations before kick-off.

Nwaneri underlined his growing reputation with an outstanding display against Girona in the Champions League, where he was named Man of the Match after scoring a stunning goal from outside the box. The teenager followed that up with another goal against Manchester City on Sunday, sealing Arsenal’s thumping victory at the Emirates in the Premier League.

With Bukayo Saka absent and Arsenal chasing the Premier League title, Nwaneri’s emergence has come at a crucial time, providing Arteta with a valuable extra attacking option. The teenager will be eager to continue his impressive form when Arsenal face Newcastle United in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie. The Gunners trail by two goals from the first leg but will take confidence from Newcastle’s poor recent home form, with the Magpies losing their last two matches.