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.

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.

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.