Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta ran the rule over teenage Nigerian midfielder Ife Ibrahim on the eve of his side's UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg clash against Bayer Leverkusen, allnigeriasoccer.com reports. 

The 18-year-old was spotted training with the Gunners' first teamers at Sobha Realty Training Centre in London Colney on Monday, putting him in contention to be included in the gameday squad to face Bayer Leverkusen.

Ibrahim, a graduate of Arsenal's Hale End Academy, has risen up the midfield pecking order following injuries to Mikel Merino and Martin Ødegaard.

He made his professional debut for Arsenal in the Champions League, coming off the bench to replace Christian Nørgaard, in the 89th of the 3-2 win over Kairat Almaty in January.

Ibrahim's second call-up for a first team game came on March 7 when he was an unused substitute in the FA Cup round of 16 clash with Mansfield Town.

He joined Arsenal at the age of seven, progressing through the academy ranks to sign a scholarship deal in the summer of 2024.

This season, Ibrahim has also represented Arsenal in the Premier League 2, EFL Trophy, UEFA Youth League, U18 Premier League and FA Youth Cup.

Meanwhile, Super Eagles forward Nathan Tella will not face his former club as he was not registered by Bayer Leverkusen for the knockout phase of the Champions League.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit: arsenal.com