Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri was not expected to be loaned out in the January transfer window but Marseille are now close to signing him up for the rest of the season
Ethan Nwaneri has been given the green light to join Marseille on loan for the remainder of the season in a move which is said to have been driven by the Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta.
Nwaneri, 18, is one of the most highly-rated young players at the club after progressing through the academy ranks, however, he has found first-team opportunities limited as the Gunners push for what would be a first Premier League title in more than 20 years.
A dearth of game time during the first half of the season had prompted speculation that the talented teenager could exit The Emirates on loan in the January transfer window, though it was reported at the start of the month that Arsenal would not sanction such a move. But Nwaneri is now poised to head out on loan – and it would seem the change of plans is largely down to Arteta.
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As per The Athletic, Arteta’s desire for Nwaneri to play under the Marseille head coach, Roberto De Zerbi, was one of the factors behind the deal being agreed.
Marseille will pay a large loan fee for Nwaneri’s services, though that sum will go down if he plays regularly. Nwaneri had additional suitors elsewhere in Europe and the Premier League.
The attacking midfielder is expected to travel to France on Wednesday after Arsenal’s Champions League game against Inter. He follows in the footsteps of William Saliba, who spent time on loan with Marseille before establishing himself in Arteta’s team.
Nwaneri has started just four times for Arsenal this season, two of those coming in the Carabao Cup. He has not featured in the Premier League since November.
It was claimed earlier this month that neither Arsenal or Nwaneri were considering a loan move and Arteta was also asked about the prospect of letting the player out.
“Every player is very important, every player has a role,” Arteta said in response. “That role can change throughout the season for different reasons and everybody has to be ready to play.”
“It’s part of the journey, part of the journey for any player at this level, that’s it. Before, he was the youngest player ever to come in this football club, and now he’s going through that patch. Face it, challenge it and go for it, that’s it.”
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
