England recognition, initially at Under-21 level, is certain to follow but safeguarding rules mean that, unlike fellow breakthrough star Myles Lewis-Skelly, Nwaneri still isn’t allowed to change in the dressing room on matchdays.

While Newcastle United fans scrambled for trains, tickets and hotels around London for next month’s League Cup final through blissfully blurry vision, wide-eyed Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was leading his side on to an Emirates flight to Dubai for a much-needed warm weather winter training break.

Mikel Arteta admits he was disappointed Arsenal did not sign a new striker but believes it is not a gamble in the club’s bid for Premier League glory. The Gunners ramped up their pursuit of a forward after Gabriel Jesus suffered a season-ending injury in their FA Cup exit against Manchester United on January 12.