Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta has made an exciting move by promoting three talented academy stars to the first-team squad for the club’s pre-season preparations. Among them is Ethan Nwaneri, who holds the record for being the Premier League’s youngest ever player. The other two youngsters, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Reuell Walters, have also been given the opportunity to train with the senior squad.
The trio has already joined the rest of the Arsenal squad in Germany for a pre-season friendly against Nurnberg. Following this, the team will travel to the USA for matches against the MLS All-Stars, Manchester United, and Barcelona. The pre-season schedule will conclude with a home match against Monaco on August 2, followed by the Community Shield four days later. The Premier League campaign will kick off on August 12 with a match against Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium.
Ethan Nwaneri made history in September 2022 when he became the youngest player to feature in a Premier League match. At just 15 years, five months, and 28 days old, he came off the bench against Brentford. Nwaneri recently signed scholarship terms with Arsenal and also secured a professional deal that will come into effect when he turns 17 in March 2024. There were concerns that he might leave the club when his schoolboy terms expired due to interest from Manchester City and Chelsea, but Arsenal managed to secure his future.
Myles Lewis-Skelly, another 16-year-old midfielder, played a key role in Arsenal’s under-18 team’s journey to the final of last season’s FA Youth Cup. Although he is yet to make his senior debut, Lewis-Skelly has already agreed to turn professional in September. Reuell Walters, an 18-year-old right-back, has also not made a first-team appearance but was named on the bench in both league and Europa League matches last season. Walters joined Arsenal in 2020 after spending four years in Tottenham Hotspur’s academy.
This promotion of young talents to the first-team squad highlights Arsenal’s commitment to nurturing and developing promising players from their academy. Arteta’s decision to include these youngsters in the pre-season preparations shows his belief in their abilities and potential. It also serves as an inspiration for other young players in the academy, who can see that hard work and dedication can lead to opportunities at the highest level.
The inclusion of Nwaneri, Lewis-Skelly, and Walters in the first-team squad also reflects Arsenal’s long-term vision and strategy. By investing in young talents and giving them exposure to senior football, the club is building a strong foundation for the future. These players will not only contribute to the team’s success on the pitch but also increase their market value, potentially becoming valuable assets for the club in the future.
Furthermore, this move by Arteta sends a positive message to the fans, who have been eager to see more young talents given a chance in the first team. It demonstrates that the club is committed to promoting from within and developing homegrown talents. This approach aligns with Arsenal’s rich history of nurturing young players and producing top-quality talent.
As Arsenal continues its pre-season preparations and gears up for the upcoming Premier League campaign, the inclusion of these three academy stars adds excitement and anticipation to the mix. Fans will be eagerly watching their progress and hoping to see them make an impact on the pitch. With Arteta at the helm, guiding and mentoring these young talents, Arsenal’s future looks bright.
In conclusion, Mikel Arteta’s decision to promote Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Reuell Walters to Arsenal’s first-team squad for pre-season preparations is a testament to the club’s commitment to developing young talents. These talented youngsters have already made their mark in the academy and now have the opportunity to showcase their skills at the senior level. This move not only strengthens the team’s squad but also sends a positive message to fans and aspiring young players. Arsenal’s investment in youth reflects their long-term vision and strategy, building a strong foundation for future success. As the pre-season progresses and the Premier League campaign approaches, all eyes will be on these promising young stars as they aim to make their mark on the big stage.