Ethan Nwaneri has just sent perfect Arsenal message to Mikel Arteta as next priority clear

Ethan Nwaneri's 2024/25 season has not ended in disappointment despite the fact Arsenal failed to win any trophies. The 18-year-old has enjoyed a stunning last few months in north London as he contributed to 11 goals with four of those arriving at crucial moments.

When Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka were both out with hamstring injuries at the same time, Mikel Arteta was forced to introduce Nwaneri into the senior team perhaps quicker than he would have liked.

The teenager handled the call-up excellently, though, with a stunning display put in against Leicester City prior to him becoming the third-youngest player to score a knockout stage goal in the Champions League as he got on the score sheet in the 7-1 drubbing of PSV.

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Saka returning to full fitness saw Nwaneri feature less, but his talent was still clear as he scored off the bench against Ipswich Town in April.

Following that, he played just 83 minutes over the last five games which saw him well prepared to make an impact in the under-21 European championships for England. With a plethora of attacking options available to Lee Carsley, Nwaneri was named on the bench for their opening game against Czechia.

Liverpool's Harvey Elliot was the player preferred to him and the 23-year-old went on to justify his inclusion by scoring in the 3-1 win. The Arsenal winger did come on, though, and looked very bright with his cameo rewarded a few days later as he was included in the starting XI for their next game against Slovenia.

While that was his only inclusion from the off, Nwaneri still had an important role to play as he helped the young Three Lions see out knockout round wins over Spain and the Netherlands on their route to the final.

The Hale End graduate also came on during extra-time of the final against Germany on Saturday evening and his work rate helped England win the Euros again after Jonathan Rowe's winner.

Arteta and all involved at Arsenal will undoubtedly be delighted for Nwaneri but they will be hoping that he can take that winning feeling and help the Gunners claim a trophy.

An FA Cup and Community Shield triumph have been achieved under Arteta but he will hoping for that big prize, such as a Premier League title and European trophy, to arrive.Nwaneri has a bright future in the game and the hope of Arteta and Andrea Berta will be that it is in north London.

A contract extension for Myles Lewis-Skelly has already been officially confirmed and now agreeing fresh terms for Nwaneri, which represent his value, has to be the next priority.

Tying down the futures of two wonderkids will almost be as important as sanctioning transfers this summer with two attacking additions needed.

Arsenal have already agreed deals for Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga. Spanish centre-back Cristhian Mosquera is also expected to join from Valencia.