Mikel Arteta threw the gauntlet down to Ethan Nwaneri after the teenager impressed in a pre-season friendly against Manchester United.
Nwaneri became the youngest ever player in Premier League history last season when he made his debut aged just 16 years and 177 days.
Now 17, he could be ready to kick on and has been given his chance in pre-season.
The Arsenal starlet was handed a start against the Red Devils at the Sofi Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday night.
Nwaneri grabbed his chance with both hands and helped himself to an assist, setting up Gabriel Jesus in the 2-1 win.
Fans have been equally impressed by what they saw from the teenager.
One said: “Nwaneri 17 year old straight up going into first team next season.”
Another added: “Shining star.”
A third wrote: “Nwaneri is absolutely special. Final third quality is to be expected, but the maturity and quality he shows in the build-up is unreal. Physically and mentally way ahead of his age.”
Arteta is prepared to give him a chance, it appears, and had a message for the youngster.
Arteta said: “It’s always in the hands of the players, so show what you can do.
“Show that ambition, that determination, that quality and things will happen naturally.
“Tomorrow he’s going to train with us again and if he continues to play like that he’s going to play some minutes on Wednesday for sure.”
Arteta was pleased with what he saw from his Arsenal players as they get ready for the new Premier League season.
“It was a really good test for us,” he added. “Playing in a different stadium, different pitch conditions, four metres narrower and five metres shorter against a top opponent and we’re 1-0 down.
“To play in this kind of context is really, really good for us to see the level and the capacity we have to adapt and win in any context, so I’m really pleased.”
Arsenal will face Liverpool next on Thursday as their pre-season tour continues.
News Summary:
- Mikel Arteta issues challenge to Ethan Nwaneri as Arsenal starlet impresses against Manchester United
- Check all news and articles from the latest Football updates.