Arsenal wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri is set to be rewarded with a new shirt number following an outstanding 2024/25 season with the Gunners.
The 18-year-old midfielder, who currently dons the No.53 jersey, will be handed the No.22 shirt, a move that marks his rise from academy talent to an integral part of Mikel Arteta’s first-team plans.
According to reports by Goal, the No.22 shirt will become vacant after Spanish goalkeeper David Raya switches to the No.1 jersey—traditionally worn by a club’s first-choice shot-stopper.
Raya, who initially joined Arsenal on loan from Brentford, made his move permanent last year and wore the No.22 during his first campaign at the Emirates. His decision to switch numbers has now paved the way for Nwaneri to make the No.22 his own.
The new squad number is a major milestone for the young English talent, as it is often associated with more established first-team players. This reshuffle symbolizes Nwaneri’s growth from a promising academy player to a key squad member in Arsenal’s senior team.
Nwaneri was officially promoted to the Arsenal first team alongside his close friend and fellow academy graduate, Myles Lewis-Skelly, ahead of the current season.
So far, Nwaneri has impressed fans and critics alike, scoring nine goals and registering two assists across all competitions this season.
His performance has drawn widespread praise, and the shirt number change is just the latest sign of the club’s faith in his potential.
As Arsenal continue to build a squad full of youth and energy, all eyes will be on Ethan Nwaneri as he cements his place in the team and continues to live up to the hype surrounding his name.
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