BREAKING NEWS : “He’s the best young player I’ve ever watched but I don’t know why Mikel Arteta is not giving him time to show his talent…I’ll take him to the level of Lamine Yamal if he join us”: Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has named ONE Arsenal teenager as the best young player he has ever seen, wants to sign him. HANSI FLICK IS DESPERATELY LOOKING TO SIGN ONE ARSENAL’S PLAYER AND IT’S NOT SAKA. FULL STORY 👇👇

The football world is in shock after Barcelona manager Hansi Flick publicly praised a young Arsenal star as “the best young player I’ve ever watched.” The German coach, known for his tactical precision and sharp eye for talent, made this explosive remark after Barcelona’s convincing 3-0 victory over Valencia in La Liga, sending waves through both Spain and England.

Flick didn’t hold back as he openly questioned Mikel Arteta’s handling of the young prodigy. “He’s the best young player I’ve ever watched,” Flick told reporters. “But I don’t know why Mikel Arteta is not giving him time to show his talent. The kid has everything — vision, pace, technique, confidence, and that fearless mentality that separates future stars from the rest. If he joined Barcelona, I would take him to the level of Lamine Yamal without hesitation.”

The player Flick was referring to is none other than Ethan Nwaneri, the Arsenal teenager who has been touted as one of England’s brightest footballing prospects. The 18-year-old attacking midfielder first made headlines in 2022 when he became the youngest player ever to feature in a Premier League match at just 15 years and 181 days. Since then, Nwaneri has been a regular standout in Arsenal’s youth teams but has struggled to break into Arteta’s first team on a consistent basis.

Despite his incredible progress and dazzling performances for the U-21s, Nwaneri has only made two Premier League starts this season. He impressed during a recent EFL Cup outing where he scored a stunning goal, but with Arsenal battling on multiple fronts — the league, Champions League, and domestic cups — Arteta has been reluctant to rely heavily on youth, instead favoring experienced stars like Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Gabriel Jesus.

Flick’s admiration has fueled rumors that Barcelona may be preparing a move for the English teenager. Sources in Spain suggest that the Catalan club’s scouts have been closely monitoring Nwaneri for months. Flick reportedly sees him as an ideal addition to Barcelona’s evolving system — a creative midfielder capable of thriving in possession-heavy football and adapting to the high-intensity pressing style Flick has reintroduced since taking over in 2024.

Barcelona’s squad already boasts one of the world’s top young players in Lamine Yamal, who has become a global sensation at just 18. Flick’s vision is to pair Yamal with another young creative genius who can operate on the opposite flank or even as a playmaker behind the striker. Nwaneri’s technical quality, passing range, and confidence in tight spaces fit that blueprint perfectly, making him a natural target for the Catalan giants despite their ongoing financial challenges.

Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta has responded to Flick’s comments with calm defiance. Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s high-profile clash with Manchester City, the Gunners boss said, “Ethan is a special talent — everyone at the club knows that. But we’re developing him carefully. He’s part of our future, and he’s progressing well. Comments from other coaches are flattering, but Ethan is an Arsenal player. He’s growing at the right pace.”

Arteta’s remarks come at a difficult time for Arsenal, who have been hit with a string of injuries. Defender William Saliba suffered a serious knee ligament injury during international duty with France, ruling him out for several months. This has intensified the pressure on Arteta to manage his squad wisely, and the timing of Flick’s public admiration for one of Arsenal’s most promising youngsters adds even more tension to an already complicated situation.

Nwaneri himself has remained composed amid the growing speculation. In a recent interview with Arsenal’s media team, the London-born midfielder said, “I’m just grateful for every opportunity I get. The manager and staff believe in me, and I’m learning from the best every day. Rumors are part of football, but I’m focused on improving and helping the team when I’m called upon.”

For Barcelona, Flick’s comments are not mere flattery — they reflect his long-standing belief in nurturing young talent. During his time at Bayern Munich, he famously oversaw the development of Alphonso Davies, Jamal Musiala, and several other emerging stars. His impact at Barcelona has been similar, turning young players like Yamal and Fermín López into key figures in a rejuvenated side that is once again challenging for major honors.

However, if Barcelona truly intend to pursue Nwaneri, they will face stiff resistance from Arsenal, who see him as a cornerstone of their future. The Gunners have invested heavily in their Hale End academy, which has produced stars like Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, and Reiss Nelson. Losing another generational talent to a European rival would be a major blow — both on and off the pitch.

Social media has exploded since Flick’s comments went public. Arsenal fans have been divided — some demanding that Arteta give Nwaneri more playing time, while others praised Flick’s recognition of their academy’s strength. “He’s right, Ethan deserves more minutes,” one fan posted, while another replied, “He’s not leaving! Hale End blood runs deep!”

With the January transfer window approaching, speculation is only expected to intensify. Barcelona’s financial situation may make a deal difficult, but Flick’s persistence and the club’s renewed focus on young, affordable talent mean the move cannot be completely ruled out. For now, the ball is firmly in Arsenal’s court.

One thing is clear — Hansi Flick’s admiration for Ethan Nwaneri has reignited the debate over how young players should be developed in elite teams. As the teenager continues to impress behind the scenes, the football world will be watching closely to see whether Arteta’s patience pays off — or whether Flick’s bold words become a prophecy fulfilled at Camp Nou.