Ethan Nwaneri is Excited By What The Gunners Are Building

Beneath the humid Singapore sky and the floodlights of the National Stadium, Arsenal’s 1-0 pre-season win over AC Milan offered more than a fitness test, it hinted at the club’s evolving future. And 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, calm and composed far beyond his years, is feeling the buzz around what’s taking shape.

• ‘I’ve Found the Right One’: Zubimendi Backs Arteta After Arsenal Switch.

Fresh off a spirited performance in midfield, Nwaneri radiated optimism after the final whistle. “I think it's a good start from the team,” said, speaking with quiet confidence, as reported by Arsenal.com. “We’re ready to keep pushing and training and working hard.”

It was a night full of promise for the teenager and the wider Arsenal squad as they look ahead to the 2025–26 Premier League campaign.

With new arrivals Martin Zubimendi and Kepa Arrizabalaga making their first appearances off the bench, and Christian Norgaard showing early signs of settling into his new surroundings, the pieces of Mikel Arteta’s summer rebuild are beginning to click.

• 12 Interesting Facts About AC Milan That’ll Leave You Speechless.

Nwaneri himself nearly stole the show in the first half. Driving forward with typical flair, he unleashed a low strike that looked destined for the corner, only to be denied by a sharp Milan save. “It was hard, it was tough, but you need to do it in pre-season to get fit,” he said of the match. “I think it was good and I enjoyed it.”

The second-half winner sealed the result, but more importantly, it capped a performance that suggested Arsenal's balance of youth and experience is inching closer to the sweet spot.

“All the signings we've made have been brilliant,” Nwaneri added. “They’re sharpening the team and making us even stronger. We've got some more back at home coming, so we're ready for them to all come and build together.”

• Arsenal Boss Arteta – We Have to Minimise the Risk With Gabriel Magalhaes.

With the Gunners’ tour now heading toward further tests and tougher challenges, there’s a sense within the camp that something special is brewing, and Nwaneri, one of Arsenal’s brightest prospects, is soaking in every second of it.