Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri was not expected to be loaned out in the January transfer window, but Marseille are close to signing him for the remainder of the season
Ethan Nwaneri is set to join Marseille on loan (Image: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Ethan Nwaneri has been given the green light to join Marseille on loan for the remainder of the season, said to be an initiative taken by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
Nwaneri, 18, is one of the club’s most highly-rated young players after coming through the academy, but has found his first-team opportunities limited as the Gunners aim to win their first Premier League title in over 20 years.
A lack of game time in the first half of the season led to speculation that the talented teenager would be loaned out from the Emirates in the January transfer window, but it was reported earlier in the month that Arsenal would not approve such a move. However, Nwaneri is now set to go on loan and Arteta appears to be the main driver behind the change in plans.
Join us on Facebook! For the latest news, analysis and more on our Mirror Football Facebook page.
read more: Transfer News LIVE: Man United reject offer, Arsenal begin loan talks for Nwaneri, Liverpool take £87m hitread more: Arsenal and Manchester United track Brazilian wonder on Deco’s Barcelona transfer shortlist
According to The Athletic, Arteta’s desire for Nwaneri to play under Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi was one of the factors in the deal.
Marseille will have to pay a hefty loan fee for Nwaneri’s performance, but that amount will reduce if he plays regularly. Nwaneri had suitors elsewhere in Europe and in the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta is said to be the driving force behind Nwaneri’s loan move to France (Image: 2025 Getty Images)
The attacking midfielder is scheduled to fly to France on Wednesday after Arsenal’s Champions League game against Inter. He follows in the footsteps of William Saliba, who was on loan at Marseille before settling in Arteta’s team.
Nwaneri has started just four games for Arsenal this season, two of which came in the Carabao Cup. He has not appeared in the Premier League since November.
If Nwaneri moves to Marseille, he will play under former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi (Image: Getty Images)
Earlier this month, it was claimed that neither Arsenal nor Nwaneri were considering a loan move, and Arteta was also asked about the possibility of letting the player go.
“Every player is very important and every player has a role,” Arteta said. “The role can change throughout the season for various reasons and everyone needs to be ready to play.”
“It’s part of the journey, part of the journey for a player at this level, that’s all. Previously he was the youngest player to join this football club and now he’s going through that patch. Face it, take on the challenge and go for it, that’s all.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£43
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
