Jack Wilshere has cautioned Ethan Nwaneri that a successful pre-season will be crucial in determining his future at Arsenal following a largely unsuccessful loan spell with Marseille. Nwaneri, 19, joined the French side in January seeking more regular playing time but has started only three matches for the Ligue 1 club, and has not featured in the last month according to reports.
Wilshere, who previously coached Nwaneri in Arsenal’s youth setup, believes the experience in France, despite its challenges, will be valuable for the young midfielder. He stated that Nwaneri would have learned a great deal about “real live football” and the demands of a passionate fanbase, speaking to talkSPORT. However, he emphasized that pre-season represents a significant opportunity for Nwaneri and fellow academy graduate Max Dowman to impress Mikel Arteta.
The former Arsenal midfielder suggested that both players must maximize their efforts during the off-season to return in peak condition and compete for a place in the first team. Wilshere recalled his own experiences as a young player, highlighting the importance of using pre-season to gain an edge over teammates and earn the manager’s trust. He acknowledged that expectations will be high for Arsenal, particularly if they continue their recent success.
Marseille coach Habib Beye has reportedly been critical of Nwaneri’s performances, suggesting he has not done enough to justify increased playing time. This, coupled with Arsenal’s potential desire to generate profit from academy graduates, could lead to the club considering offers for Nwaneri during the upcoming transfer window. Wilshere himself expressed his willingness to take either Nwaneri or Dowman on loan at Luton Town, should Arteta deem them surplus to requirements.
Nwaneri progressed through Arsenal’s academy, making his first-team debut at the age of 15, but has struggled to establish himself as a regular member of Arteta’s squad. A strong pre-season showing could be vital for the young player to prove his worth and secure a place in the team, or alternatively, pave the way for a move that benefits both the player and the club.
