Marseille are preparing to announce the signing of Ethan Nwaneri on loan until the end of the season, having been on the fringes for Arsenal for most of the campaign
Ethan Nwaneri has revealed that Arsenal team-mate William Saliba helped convince him to join Marseille on loan. Nwaneri, 18, is expected to complete his move to the French giants before the weekend, having arrived in the city on Wednesday.
The forward has only started one Premier League game this season, with Arsenal boasting a gluttony of attacking options. That’s why Mikel Arteta, who was initially reluctant to lose Nwaneri, has decided to allow him the chance to get minutes under his belt during the second half of the season.
After arriving in the south of France for his medical, the England under-21 international was greeted by excited fans and the local media. It was then when he detailed former Marseille loanee Saliba’s role in his decision.
“William Saliba told me that Marseille are one of the best clubs in the world,” Nwaneri told La Minute OM, as he held aloft a Marseille scarf.
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The Arsenal academy graduate also praised his new manager. “Roberto De Zerbi is also one of the best coaches in the world,” Nwaneri said of the former Brighton boss. “He’s demanding. I’m ready to play under him and listen to what he wants for the team.”
De Zerbi’s side were put to the sword by Liverpool on Wednesday in the Champions League, losing 3-0 and leaving them 19th in the table. Ahead of the match, the Italian was asked about Nwaneri and replied: “I know him, he’s a good player.”
The 18-year-old’s departure has divided Arsenal fans and pundits. Ex-Gunners defender Emmanuel Eboue told Aceodds.com: “You know Nwaneri and [Myles] Lewis-Skelly as young players, they want to show Arsenal players their quality and that they can play. I know that.”
Were Arsenal right to loan out Ethan Nwaneri? Have your say in the comments section.
“This year it will be very difficult for them to get game time as Arsenal want to win the trophies. Arteta, as I said, won’t risk things too much and he will play the guys who are available to play.”
“They have to be patient. They have to learn how to do their best with whatever minutes they get this year. And I think next year it will be good for them.”
“Some young players rush too much because they want to play and ask their club to go on loan. So I think for them, they should stay and learn more playing under Arteta.”
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