Ethan Nwaneri comment puts Arsenal team-mate under the cosh as big call looms

The last few weeks have been an exercise in patience for Ethan Nwaneri. The wonderkid has been a revelation since breaking into the first team earlier this season, racking up nine goals in all competitions and becoming an important attacking outlet during 's spell on the sidelines.

But now that Saka is back on the right flank, Nwaneri has been relegated to the bench. Moving past Saka in the pecking order might as well be an impossible task, but the 18-year-old is an attacking midfielder by trade, and he may have his eye on a different route into 's first-team plans.

Just like Saka, Arsenal's current forward-thinking midfielder, Martin Odegaard, is a pillar of the starting line-up. The fact he holds the captain's armband will make it even more difficult for Nwaneri to take his place, but Odegaard's form this season suggests that a reshuffle is not beyond the realms of possibility.

Odegaard has faced criticism for failing to produce in front of goal this campaign, particularly in the Gunners' high-stakes matches. He was once again disappointing in the Champions League semi-final second leg defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night - a game Nwaneri finished as an unused substitute.

As the weeks tick by, Odegaard's lack of output is becoming an increasingly hot topic. And it doesn't help the Norwegian that the uber-talented youngster vying for his position - Nwaneri - has been making good use of his limited minutes.

Nwaneri's haul of nine goals across all competitions is nearly double Odegaard's five, despite the fact the teenager has played well under half as many minutes. He sent his team-mate a reminder and made it clear exactly what he brings to the table after his last goal-scoring appearance, against Ipswich Town last month.

"I'm very happy with the amount of goals I've scored this season," said Nwaneri. "I think that's what I can bring to the team. I can bring goals and assists, I've been able to display that, so I'm happy."

Odegaard has started every one of the four matches since, without scoring, while Nwaneri has only been handed eight minutes. For Arsenal's skipper, the presence of a productive player hungry to take his position will crank up the pressure on him to find his range.

As Nwaneri matures and continues to impress when given the chance, Arteta's big call on whether to stick with his captain or begin the process of phasing in his fresh-faced deputy edges closer.