Arsenal must rue losing star who’s now worth more than Nwaneri

Arsenal’s academy setup has been responsible for the development and progress of countless talents over the years, many of which have made a huge impact on the first-team squad at the Emirates.

Bukayo Saka is undoubtedly the biggest example in recent years, emerging into the side as a teenager, before rapidly capturing the hearts of the fanbase in North London as a result of his displays.

The 23-year-old, who’s been missing over the last few months through injury, has made over 250 appearances for the Gunners, scoring on 67 occasions – still sitting at the top of the charts for goals and assists combined in the squad for 2024/25.

His absence has undoubtedly contributed to Mikel Arteta’s side’s recent drop, which saw them suffer a painful 1-0 defeat against West Ham United yesterday, inflicting a real blow on their Premier League title ambitions.

However, Saka’s setback has allowed another academy star to feature in his place, staking his claim for a regular starting role even upon the England international’s return to action.

Ethan Nwaneri’s rise at Arsenal in 2024/25

Back in 2022/23, youngster Ethan Nwaneri emerged off the substitutes’ bench against Brentford to make his league debut for his boyhood side at the tender age of just 15 – making him the youngest player in the division’s history.

However, given his youthful years, he’s had to bide his time for an opportunity to flourish under Arteta but has been given his chance to shine over the last couple of months.

The now 17-year-old has made 25 appearances this season

, scoring in each competition he’s featured in, including the Carabao Cup, Champions League and Premier League.

Nwaneri has often featured off the right-hand side in Saka’s absence over the last couple of months, softening the blow with his performances which have been way beyond his teenage years.

However, despite his excellent form, he’s still valued lower than one player who slipped through the net in North London, showcasing what the Gunners have missed in allowing him to depart.

The former Arsenal ace who’s worth more than Nwaneri

As previously mentioned, Arsenal has been the home to numerous young stars over the years, as demonstrated by their tally of seven FA Youth Cup wins – the third most of any side in history.

However, not every one of those talents will make it into the professional game, with only 0.012% of all youngsters going on to make an appearance in England’s top flight.

Despite the low odds, one player who the Gunners previously allowed to leave as a teenager did manage to achieve such a feat, with Michael Olise starring after his release from the North London outfit.

The Frenchman was let go by the club, subsequently moving to city rivals Chelsea, but their decision to do so now appears to be a huge mistake given his progression over the last few years.

Olise, who now features for German giants Bayern Munich, has endured a rapid rise to stardom, including in the Premier League, after his £8m move to Crystal Palace from Reading back in 2021.

The 23-year-old racked up 90 appearances for the Eagles, scoring 16 times and registering 25 assists, catching the eye of Vincent Kompany as the Belgian forked out £50m for his signature last summer.

It’s been a move that has allowed Olise to take his career to the next level, notching 20 combined goal contributions in 2024/25 to date, leading to analyst Ben Mattinson dubbing him as “world-class”.

However, as a result of his showings in the Bundesliga, his market value has skyrocketed, with Transfermarkt now valuing the youngster at £54m – with his subsequent value two times higher than Nwaneri, who’s valued at £25m.

There’s no denying that the 17-year-old has a huge future in the game, potentially being a key player for the Gunners for many years to come should he continue on the same trajectory he’s currently on.

However, there must be an ounce of regret with Olise, given his rapid rise of his own, but unfortunately, he will always remain a case of what could’ve been had they kept hold of him as a teenager.