Ambitious Saka understudy should learn the meaning of humility and loyalty

Amid unconfirmed reports that Ethan Nwaneri's contract negotiations seem to be moving along again after hitting a stumbling block over guaranteed playing time, Nwaneri must learn to understand the delicate balance between vaulting ambition and patient humility.

At just18-years-old, Nwaneri has made an auspicious start to his senior football career. Bursting on to the scene with two goals in the EFL Cup victory at home to Bolton in September, the fans took to him immediately.

Arsenal have managed Nwaneri's development brilliantly

Since then, Arsenal have managed his development brilliantly. He has been given valuable experience in the Premier League and in the group stage of the Champions League.

In turn, Arsenal have been rewarded with four Premier League goals and two assists from just 11 starts. That's a great return from such a young player.

Now, with a year left to run on his contract, Nwaneri is in a strong position to negotiate a new long-term deal that should keep him at the Emirates well into his twenties. However, the player's insistence on a playing-time clause has put Arteta in a difficult position.

It is clear that Arsenal fans view Nwaneri as the natural successor to Bukayo Saka. However, placing Nwaneri at this exalted level, could have a negative impact on the young player's development and on Arsenal's season.

Placing such elavated expectations on the shoulders of an 18-year-old is a great burden for Nwaneri to carry alone. Should Saka get injured again this season, it is perhaps too early for Nwaneri to be expected to fill in.

Pursuing Noni Madueke makes complete sense

Therefore, it makes sense to strengthen in the right wing position even further. It makes complete sense that Arsenal should pursue Noni Madueke despite the impact that his signing could have on Nwaneri's playing time.

Five years Nwaneri's senior, Madueke is much further along in terms of his development. A full England international to boot, Chelsea are crazy to let Madueke leave. But Chelsea's loss could be Arsenal's gain. Fans should accept that and so too should Ethan Nwaneri.

"You sign your place and calling, in full seeming,
With meekness and humility; but your heart
Is cramm'd with arrogancy, spleen, and pride."

William Shakespeare (Henry VIII 2.4.118)