Arsenal: Mikel Arteta makes Ethan Nwaneri transfer decision as youngster is linked with Janaury loan move | OneFootball

Talented teenager did not make the matchday squad for Arsenal’s win over Aston Villa

Mikel Arteta has downplayed the likelihood of Ethan Nwaneri leaving Arsenal on loan this month, insisting "every player has a role".

The 18-year-old was an unused substitute in the Carabao Cup quarter-final win against Crystal Palace, having played the full 90 minutes in the previous two rounds.

However, speaking on Friday, emphasised that all members of his squad must to be ready to play their part.

"Every player is very important, every player has a role," Arteta said.

"That role can change throughout the season for different reasons, and everybody has to be ready to play."

He added: "And the thing is that you don't know if you're going to be a finisher, a starter, or sometimes you have to come in because a player gets injured in the warm-up. So that's how ready you have to be.

"And again, as I said, it's a joy because the players are really committed, really willing to participate in whatever role they have on the day. And that's what we need."

Ethan Nwaneri has struggled for minutes over the past month

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

The Arsenal boss also made it clear he would not rotate for the sake of it, even in a hectic run of fixtures.

"I think we have to talk about performance, not rotation.

"We want performance, the highest performance every three days or throughout the game, and that's what we have to look at. And in order to achieve that, what are the best players, in the best condition, with the best relationship, to fulfil that."

Arsenal are still challenging on all fronts this season, sitting top of the table in the Premier League and Champions League and with a Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea to come.

Every player is very important, every player has a role

Mikel Arteta

This is the fifth time Arsenal have led the way in the Premier League on Christmas Day, but on the previous occasions they have not gone on to win the title.

Asked whether he was aware of stats emphasising Arsenal's struggles in the second half of seasons, Arteta said: "No. Let's break it.

"I think that's what they transmit every single day when they're with us, training on every match. You can see their desire. You can see the energy that they put in, how much they want it.

"There's still five months to go. And take it day by day. Enjoy that process of being where we are and go for it."