Nwaneri 'opens your eyes to how much a young player can evolve

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Mikel Arteta says he wants to keep Ethan Nwaneri at Arsenal but the club must do "what is best for the player".

BBC Sport revealed in April that winger Nwaneri was among the players Arsenal would listen to offers for this summer, and invited offers from Galatasaray for him earlier this week .

The 19-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Marseille, where he only started four games.

However, Arteta praised Nwaneri for his performances in pre-season after Wednesday's draw against Como, saying the youngster "looked different" and "more mature".

Asked in his news conference before Sunday's Community Shield whether there has been a change in his plans for Nwaneri this season, Arteta said: "I don't know on the plans but certainly it opens your eyes in terms of how much a young player can evolve in such a short period. That work and experience abroad - we set some difficulties and challenges - and what you can really get out of that.

"He's done it in a brilliant way. I think he's unquestionable - the talent, the desire, the love and the passion he has for the game. It's something that I always loved about Ethan. And then I think he had some great games and he's shown everybody that he has the ability to be here."

Pushed on whether he wants Nwaneri to stay beyond the end of the transfer window, Arteta added: "I want him to be at the club, but something in the medium-long term is what is the best for the player as well. And Ethan needs to play football.

"If he stays here it's because we can guarantee him that he can have those minutes, otherwise it's just something that is not good for anybody, I think."

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