MIKEL ARTETA: ‘Ethan Cannot Be in Our Dressing Room, Which Is Unbelievable. Even on Match Day…’ Find Out Why

Mikel Arteta is leaving no stone unturned in his bid to dethrone Liverpool and bring the Premier League title back to the Emirates. With a meticulous approach to squad building, the Arsenal boss has placed immense faith in the club’s young talents, particularly Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri. However, despite Nwaneri’s rising status in the first team, an unusual Premier League safeguarding rule has left him in a peculiar situation—he is not allowed in the first-team dressing room.

Born in 2007, Nwaneri is one of the brightest gems to emerge from Arsenal’s Hale End academy, following in the footsteps of club legends like Tony Adams, Ashley Cole, and Cesc Fàbregas. His close friendship with fellow academy graduate Lewis-Skelly has been instrumental in his development, and both are seen as the future of Arsenal’s midfield.

Nwaneri’s talent was evident from a young age, and in September 2022, he made history by becoming the youngest player ever to feature in a Premier League match at just 15 years and 181 days old. His inclusion in the first team at such a tender age signaled Arteta’s confidence in his potential, but his journey has not been without its challenges.

Now, in the 2024/25 season, Nwaneri is beginning to cement his place in the Arsenal squad, having already made 22 appearances across all competitions. His development has been rapid, and his performances on the pitch suggest he is ready for even greater responsibility.

One of his standout moments this season came in Arsenal’s emphatic 5-1 victory over Manchester City. The young midfielder capped off the rout with a stunning long-range strike, sending the Emirates into raptures and further solidifying his reputation as one of the most exciting teenage talents in world football.

Despite his growing prominence, Nwaneri remains subject to a rule that prevents him from joining his senior teammates in the dressing room. The restriction, imposed by Premier League safeguarding regulations, states that players under the age of 18 cannot share a dressing room with adult professionals.

Arteta addressed the situation in a recent press conference ahead of Arsenal’s crucial League Cup tie against Newcastle United, expressing his disbelief over the rule.

“When you see those two working [Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri] next to each other, talking to each other, there’s a bond there, there’s chemistry there,” Arteta said. “So, I imagine for them, especially because, at the moment, they’re still in different dressing rooms.”

The Arsenal boss, who has played a crucial role in developing young talents since taking charge, elaborated further:

“Ethan cannot be in our dressing room, which is unbelievable. He has to get dressed somewhere else, even on matchday. So, to have someone close to him that he trusts and has confidence in, they’re lucky to have each other, I think.”

While the restriction may seem excessive given Nwaneri’s growing importance in the team, it highlights the strict regulations in place to protect young players in professional environments. Until he turns 18 on March 21, 2025, the teenager will have to prepare for matches separately from his senior teammates.

The contrast with his close friend Lewis-Skelly, who turned 18 last September and has already been integrated into the first-team dressing room, makes the situation even more peculiar. The duo’s on-field chemistry has been a major asset for Arsenal, and Arteta believes their bond will be crucial in shaping the club’s future.

As Arsenal prepares for a must-win League Cup fixture, Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly’s development remains a major talking point in Arteta’s long-term vision. Their rise through the ranks represents Arsenal’s commitment to youth development, a philosophy that has been a cornerstone of Arteta’s tenure.

Beyond the domestic cup, the Gunners remain locked in a fierce Premier League title race. With Liverpool leading the charge, Arsenal cannot afford to drop points. An upcoming away fixture against Leicester City will be another test of their credentials as they push to reclaim English football’s most prestigious prize.

For Nwaneri, the coming months will be pivotal. His performances have already demonstrated that he belongs at the top level, but he is also counting down the days until he can fully integrate into the first-team environment.

The situation may be frustrating, but it also underscores how highly Arsenal values their young prodigy. Despite the restrictions, Nwaneri’s impact on the pitch continues to grow, and his patience will soon be rewarded when he officially joins the senior dressing room.

Until then, Arsenal fans will continue to watch his development with excitement. His talent is undeniable, and if his trajectory remains on course, he could soon be a central figure in Arteta’s plans—not just on matchdays, but in every aspect of Arsenal’s first-team setup.