Mikel Arteta says Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly will get game time this season, if they keep showing their quality.
The teenagers, along with defender Ayden Heaven, have played regularly throughout pre-season and stand on the cusp of formal inclusion in Mikel Arteta’s senior squad as Arsenal gear up for their first game of the new campaign.
After yesterday’s impressive 4-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen at Emirates Stadium, the manager said: “If they continue like they are doing right now. There is no difference whether they come from the academy or we sign them from Germany or Argentina or Italy.
“If they are showing the quality that they have, the personality they have to play at this level…let’s see. Why would we put any restrictions? If they deserve minutes, they get minutes.”
Arteta was seen deep in conversation with Lewis-Skelly at full-time, seemingly passing on further pointers to the 17-year-old as he continues to grow into the left-back role he’s been auditioning for in recent weeks.
“There were a few actions that he did really well, a few he has to understand a bit better – especially the focus and attention these games demand. He really wants it,” said Arteta.
With Takehiro Tomiyasu injured, Riccardo Calafiori acclimatising to his new surroundings and doubts over Jakub Kiwior’s future, it looks as though Oleksandr Zinchenko could start the campaign at left-back.
“Obviously he has played in midfield, but the main focus for him right now is playing as a full back and the options and solutions he provides in that part,” added Arteta.
“He knows the quality that he has, he knows the things he needs to improve. He’s another one that is really at it.”
