Two Arsenal stars shortlisted for PFA Young Player of the Year
Arsenal’s flourishing academy has once again been spotlighted after Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly were both named among the six nominees for the 2024–25 PFA Young Player of the Year award.
Recognition for Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly caps off a breakthrough season for both players and underlines the growing importance of Arsenal’s youth products in Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Lewis-Skelly, in particular, enjoyed a remarkable campaign, cementing his place in the first team and even earning his first England cap.
The 18-year-old played 39 times in all competitions, featuring prominently in Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final run and scoring a memorable first goal in a 5-1 demolition of Manchester City.
His eye-catching celebration, mimicking Erling Haaland, only added to the sense that a new star had arrived.
There were bumps along the way — including two red cards, one of which caused national controversy before being overturned — but they only emphasised how involved and impactful he had become.
Nwaneri’s year was less about volume and more about moments.
After spending the first half of the season as a substitute, he was thrust into the spotlight after Bukayo Saka’s injury over the winter and stepped up with maturity.
Operating on the right wing, the 18-year-old racked up nine goals and two assists, proving he could deliver at senior level when it mattered.
While his involvement naturally dipped with Saka’s return, he had already made his case and strengthened his place in the pecking order.
The nomination is a landmark in both players’ development and reinforces Arsenal’s tradition of promoting elite youth talent.
The club’s history in this award is strong, with previous winners including Bukayo Saka, Jack Wilshere, Cesc Fabregas and Tony Adams.
Both Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly are expected to sign long-term contract extensions soon — another boost for a team keen to build its next great side from within.
The winner of the PFA Young Player of the Year award will be announced on 19 August at the Manchester Opera House.
Arsenal supporters will hope one of their own takes the stage.
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