Marseille are preparing to announce the signing of Ethan Nwaneri on loan until the end of the season after he was underwhelming for Arsenal for much of the season.
William Saliba talks to Ethan Nwaneri about Marseille (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Ethan Nwaneri has revealed that his Arsenal teammate William Saliba persuaded him to join Marseille on loan. Nwaneri, 18, arrived on Wednesday and is expected to complete his move to the French giants by the weekend.
The forward has started just one game in the Premier League this season, with Arsenal boasting a wealth of attacking options. That’s why Mikel Arteta, who was initially reluctant to lose Nwaneri, decided to give him the chance to get some playing time in the second half of the season.
The England Under-21s were greeted by excited fans and local media after arriving in the south of France for medical tests. It was then that he detailed former Marseille loanee Saliba’s role in his decision.
“William Saliba told me that Marseille is one of the best clubs in the world,” Nwaneri told La Minute OM while holding up a Marseille scarf.
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Arsenal academy graduates also praised the new manager. “Roberto De Zerbi is also one of the best managers in the world,” Nwaneri said of the former Brighton manager.
“He is demanding. I am ready to play under him and listen to what he wants from the team.”
De Zerbi’s side lost 3-0 to Liverpool in the Champions League on Wednesday, leaving them 19th in the table. After the match, the Italian was asked about Nwaneri’s impending arrival, as well as the arrival of Feyenoord midfielder Quentin Timber.
“I’m really happy that they signed OM. We might be able to play as early as Saturday,” De Zerbi said. “They are quality players, Timber has experience and Nwaneri has talent.”
The 18-year-old’s departure has divided opinion among Arsenal fans and pundits alike. Former Gunners defender Emmanuel Eboue told Aceodds.com: “You know, Nwaneri and (Miles) Lewis-Skelly are young players. They want to show the Arsenal players their quality and what they can do. We know that.”
Was Arsenal right to loan Ethan Nwaneri? Please share your thoughts in the comments section.
“Arsenal want to win trophies so it will be very difficult to get game time this year. Like I said, Arteta won’t take too many risks and will play with the players who are available.”
“They’ve got to be patient. They’ve got to learn how to do the best they can with whatever time they’re given this year. And I think that’s going to be good for them next year.”
“Some young players are in too much of a hurry to play and ask the club to send them on loan. So for their sake, I think they should stay with Arteta and learn to play more.”
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