Mikel Arteta believes Ethan Nwaneri could play as a striker one day. In fact, he has already been used there. For an 18-year-old, who started last season as a 17-year-old, this is quite an achievement in senior football.
That Nwaneri has 39 appearances to his name for the Arsenal first team, and nine goals, is also remarkable. He has a record that many centre forwards would be happy with.
In all competitions, he managed 11 goal contributions from a little under 1,400 minutes (not including stoppage time). An ideal Nwaneri goal is clear enough in your head.
He cuts in from the right, finding some room in the right half space, and then bends it into the far corner. He is also quick on his feet in the box and reacts like a striker at times, as he did in the Champions League away to PSV Eindhoven.
The most distinctive thing about Nwaneri on the field, because it's usually his age being spoken of, is his style. No matter where he plays, there is a fluency and similarity to his performances.
Whether Arteta wants him on the right wing or centrally, Nwaneri plays in the same way. His twinkle toes, movement, and interplay all transfer.
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It is this that made him the replacement for both Martin Odegaard (the club captain) and Bukayo Saka (the star player) when both were absent through injury. Although many were left frustrated that Nwaneri did not get more opportunities earlier, they were grateful of just how easily he took to regular game time over Christmas and New Year.
Nwaneri became a go-to player in the second half of the season. His role was never truly defined, be it as a super sub, winger, or attacking midfielder. Having these strings to his bow was crucial in helping Arteta and also getting himself minutes ahead of others.
Injuries also played a factor but Nwaneri passed with flying colours. His impact might have been reduced but for someone of his age, it was vital.
Now, Arsenal are considering a move for Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze. He is a player they admire and Eze would fill several holes at Arsenal.
Like Nwaneri, he has proven himself capable of playing on the wing or centrally. He may well be most effective as a No.10 but Eze has played and impressed for England as a wide-man and is definitely seen as an option there.
If he was to make the move from south to north London, then being adaptable and offering cover in multiple positions would be a massive plus. This level of versatility is not rife in the Arsenal squad.
There are defenders who can play across the backline (and often into midfield), as well as the Kai Havertz-Mikel Merino midfielder-to-striker option as well. Leandro Trossard has played anywhere Arteta has asked him but struggles for consistency and effect when starting games still.
That makes Nwaneri's 'positionless' vibe all the more important, and Eze would be the same. This would not only strengthen the left side, but Eze can also offer readymade support for Odegaard if Arteta was wary of throwing Nwaneri into matches in the most pressurised moments.
Eze can also work on either side of the pitch as a No.10 having done so under Oliver Glasner. He is an all-around attacker with the game to complement whatever task he is given.
Although he was mainly used centrally by Glasner this season, his time over his senior career has been split. For Palace, he has played 52 times on the left and 72 through the middle.
This takes into account the slightly wider split No.10 spot that Glasner uses, and that sees him drift into areas towards the flank rather than just behind a striker. Nwaneri has a much smaller sample size.
According to Transfermarkt, he actually made more appearances on the right (17) than centrally (11). The ability to run both with such good effect is invaluable.
So if Arsenal did sign Eze, he would be adding his own sprinkling of magic wherever he is needed. If Nwaneri could do it then Eze, a player eight years older, will be even more key to providing Arteta with a foundation to build from.
