Catch all the latest Arsenal news, including updates on Ethan Nwaneri, Martin Odegaard injury and William Saliba.
Ethan Nwaneri compared to Phil Foden and Cole Palmer
Capturing all of the headlines and excitement at Arsenal, Ethan Nwaneri is one of the brightest stars of the future.
The midfielder showed exactly why again over the midweek round of EFL Cup fixtures, featuring for the Gunners against Preston North End.
Nwaneri scored a delicious strike that helped his side on the way to a 3-0 win and a place in the quarter-finals of the competition.
Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Preston North End and Arsenal
That led to plenty of praise for the Hale End academy graduate and the impact he is having, with Gabriel Jesus comparing him to two big stars.
Speaking via The Standard, the Brazilian said of Nwaneri: “I have been with some special youngsters, like Phil and with Cole [Palmer] as well and also [James] McAtee at City, he is very good.
“So to see Ethan in training and in games is good, because I am a fan of football.”
It’s some high praise for someone who could be Arsenal’s next big first-team star on a regular basis.
Read more on Ethan Nwaneri praise, here.
Virgil van Dijk makes William Saliba claim
Arsenal star William Saliba has had plenty of comparisons to Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk over the years, with the centre-back holding plenty of similarities.
For the Dutch star, there are some clear differences though, some of which puts the Gunners ace slightly ahead of him.
Van Dijk said on the Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel: “Obviously, Saliba is making very good steps at the moment.
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC at Emirates Stadium on October 27, 2024 in London,…
“Yeah, he’s on the first one I just have in mind now. You know, he’s a solid one, you know, I think in possession he’s doing a good job.”
Ferdinand then asked Van Dijk if he sees some of the comparisons between himself and the Arsenal star. Van Dijk replied: “Yeah, maybe.
“I think if I’m honest, when I was that age, I was nowhere near where he is today. And obviously, that’s the beauty of football as well.”
Read more on William Saliba and Virgil van Dijk, here.
Martin Odegaard injury return
There are growing hopes that Arsenal club captain Martin Odegaard will make a return to action soon from his long-term ankle injury.
The playmaker has been on the sidelines since September, following an ankle issue that he picked up while away with Norway on international duty.
Martin Odegaard of Arsenal walks from the tunnel during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD2 match between Arsenal FC and Paris Saint…
Fortunately, according to The Standard, Odegaard is closing in on a potential place back in the squad over the coming week.
The expectation is that the midfielder could feature against Inter Milan in the Champions League next week.
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