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Arsenal talent Ethan Nwaneri has named Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka as the two senior players who have most helped him settle into the Gunners’ first-team this season.
Nwaneri made history in September 2022 Senior debut at just 15 years and 181 daysBecame Arsenal’s youngest ever player, as well as the youngest player in the English top flight.
He was so young that Nwaneri did not sign his first professional contract until March of this year, but has now become a permanent member of Mikel Arteta’s first team squad. So far in 2024/25, the 17-year-old has made 16 appearances and counting – including three starts and four goals.
was asked by Arsenal.com The first-team stars who have helped ease the transition to senior football, Nwaneri said, “there are loads,” but elaborated on just two.
“Both Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka have been great for me, and not just me but all the young players,” he explained.
“He helps us with everything, and someone like Bucayo has already been on that journey. That’s really important – he knows what we’re going through, he can help me, what can help me. He’s great to talk to because he’s so cool and humble, but I try to watch him as much as possible and learn that way.
“Martin, too, was playing when he was 15, so it’s great to have that experience with me in the dressing room.”
Saka joined Arsenal when he was seven years old and made his first team debut at the end of 2018, just weeks after turning 17. Odegaard was a teen prodigy, training with the first-team at Stromsgodset in Norway at the age of 13 and making his debut at the age of 15. One month after turning 16, He joined Real MadridEvery leading club across Europe was on his tail in a very public transfer hunt.
