Arsenal star Ethan Nwaneri isn’t allowed in senior changing room

Ethan Nwaneri, Arsenal’s 17-year-old prodigy, has been making headlines with his stellar performances, including a remarkable goal in the Gunners’ 5-1 triumph over Manchester City.

Ethan Nwaneri’s dressing room ban: The Premier League rule keeping him out

Despite his on-field heroics, Nwaneri faces an unusual off-field restriction: Premier League safeguarding rules mandate that players must be at least 18 years old to share the senior dressing room.

Consequently, until his 18th birthday on March 21, Nwaneri prepares for matches in a separate changing area.

Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, has acknowledged the unique challenges this rule presents.

He highlighted the close bond between Nwaneri and fellow academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly, who recently turned 18 and now joins the senior squad in the main dressing room.

Arteta remarked, “When you see those two walking next to each other, talking to each other, there is a bond there and a chemistry there.”

He added, “Ethan cannot be in our dressing room still, which is unbelievable.

He needs to get dressed somewhere else, even on match day, so to have somebody close to him that has that trust, that confidence, that link, I think it is lucky.”

Despite these logistical hurdles, Nwaneri’s integration into the first team has been seamless. His humility and grounded nature have endeared him to both teammates and coaching staff.

Reflecting on his journey, Nwaneri expressed gratitude towards senior players who have mentored him, stating,

“Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka have both been great for me, and not just me but all the young players.

They help us with everything, and somebody like Bukayo has had that journey already.”

As Nwaneri continues to shine on the pitch, the Arsenal community eagerly anticipates his 18th birthday, when he will finally join his teammates in the senior dressing room.

Until then, his exceptional talent and character remain undeterred by the temporary separation, underscoring his resilience and commitment to the team.