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Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri is set to be handed a different squad number next season.
Looking back on the 2024/25 season for Arsenal, there haven't been too many positives that jump out at you aside from the Champions League run, and the Gunners' superb recent record against the top six has continued (now 21 games unbeaten).
With injuries and the lack of clinical edge seeing the Gunners lose and draw matches they had no business not winning, the year can be looked back on with a "what-if" feeling.
But one thing stands out as an overwhelming positive and that was the emergence of Ethan Nwaneri as a genuine weapon at Mikel Arteta's disposal.
Yes, Ethan got his initial chance due to the ridiculous number of injuries the Gunners dealt with midway through the year, but he took his chance with both hands.
At the time of writing, Nwaneri has played 36 times in all competitions, scored nine times and registered two assists, leaving his mark on the squad and fan base with excitement building for what he could develop into next season.
Ethan Nwaneri rewarded of sorts for breakout campaign
There's no doubt that Nwaneri has had a stellar season, and according to long-time Arsenal insider Charles Watts, the youngster is set to be rewarded next year...with a number change.
"David Raya will be taking the No.1 shirt, having worn 22 since arriving at the club and Ethan Nwaneri will be taking the 22 shirt that Raya has vacated," Watts wrote.
That is a sign that the club and Arteta see a big future for Ethan, and while it isn't a star number, it does represent how far Ethan has come in such a short time.
His blistering pace, willingness to be direct, quick feet, and not to shirk a challenge, but his ability to unleash thunderous shots is a feature of his game, and one that fans gravitate to. He is so proactive that when the ball is at his feet, things open up around him.
So it's not a new contract, but a new squad number and we imagine that going forward, Nwaneri will be a big part of Arteta's Arsenal plans, and we think that the 2025/26 season could yield better results from the winger - especially if Martin Odegaard's malaise continues.
And he'll do it wearing a new number. Hopefully, he fares a little better than Pablo Mari, Denis Suarez, and Yaya Sanogo, all previous wearers of Arsenal's #22 shirt.