Arsenal and Marseille are in talks over a possible loan move for Ethan Nwaneri. The situation remains fluid at the moment, but the player is keen for the opportunity to get more playing time this season. There is no buy option on this temporary move, but Arsenal will receive a loan fee for the arrangement.
Nwaneri is believed to be traveling with the team to Milan for Arsenal’s Champions League clash against Inter Milan at the San Siro. Arteta is expected to address the press after the match, where he is likely to be asked further questions about the 18-year-old’s future. Throughout January, several clubs in England and abroad expressed interest. Football.london report that the club rejected an approach from West Ham early in the winter transfer window.
Mikel Arteta was asked about the possibility of Nwaneri leaving on loan just under three weeks ago. Unlike Gabriel Jesus, who has clearly ruled out leaving the club, Nwaneri’s potential future has been left open to speculation.
“Every player is important,” he said. “Every player has a role, and that role can change throughout the season for various reasons, and everyone has to be ready to play. That’s it.”
Arsenal have already been hit by injuries in their attacking ranks, particularly in the forward positions. Meanwhile, Martin Odegaard has already endured three fitness problems this season.
That said, Eberechi Eze, Mikel Merino and Kai Havertz are all capable of playing attacking midfield roles, offering Arteta plenty of alternatives.
Eze has similarly found it difficult to find playing time in recent weeks, but in addition to Nwaneri, another youngster, Max Dauman, has made an impression in the first team.
Nwaneri has struggled to secure a place in the matchday squad and was left out of the Premier League squad again for the weekend’s draw with Nottingham Forest, despite traveling to Italy with the team.
