Arsenal In Talks Over Ethan Nwaneri Loan To Marseille Amid Squad Competition‎

‎Arsenal’s 18-year-old prodigy Ethan Nwaneri is reportedly in talks for a loan move to French Ligue 1 club Marseille.

‎Limited playing time at Arsenal, due to the squad’s depth, has sparked speculation about a temporary transfer. Such a move could offer Nwaneri more opportunities on the pitch while providing Arsenal with a modest financial gain.

‎Struggling for Minutes at Arsenal

‎Nwaneri, who made history as the Premier League’s youngest-ever player in 2022, has struggled to secure consistent playing time this season.

‎He was left out of Arsenal’s matchday squad for the fourth consecutive Premier League game in the goalless draw with Nottingham Forest.

‎Across the current campaign, Nwaneri has played just 515 minutes in 12 appearances.

‎He has started only one Champions League game, one FA Cup match, and featured in two EFL Cup fixtures. Even with Arsenal preparing for their Champions League clash against Inter Milan, his chances of starting seem slim amid strong competition from Eberechi Eze and Martin Ødegaard.

‎Marseille as a Preferred Destination

‎According to reports from The Athletic, Arsenal have held “positive” talks with Marseille regarding a loan move. Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi has reportedly spoken with both Nwaneri and Mikel Arteta, although no agreement has been finalized.

‎The proposed arrangement would be a straightforward loan until the end of the season, with no option for a permanent transfer.

‎Arsenal remains confident in Nwaneri’s future at the club but recognizes his desire for more regular first-team football.

‎Marseille is favored as a destination due to De Zerbi’s attacking and progressive style of play, which could offer Nwaneri valuable experience.

‎Fabrizio Romano reports that the loan could include a fee exceeding €3m (£2.6m), depending on how many appearances Nwaneri makes. Marseille also has former Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in its squad, which could help the youngster adapt to French football more easily.

‎Long-Term Plans for Nwaneri at Arsenal

‎While Arsenal are unlikely to offload key players in January, Nwaneri has emerged as the most probable candidate for a temporary move.

‎If injuries affect Eze, Ødegaard, Bukayo Saka, or Noni Madueke, he could still find opportunities in the Premier League.

‎However, with the current squad healthy, a loan move could provide Nwaneri with the minutes he needs to continue his development.

‎The Hale End graduate has already made 51 senior appearances for Arsenal, scoring 10 goals and providing two assists. Last summer, he signed a long-term contract until 2030, reflecting the club’s belief in his potential.

‎The Benefits of a Loan Move

‎A loan to Marseille could allow Nwaneri to gain regular minutes in a competitive league while remaining under Arsenal’s long-term plan.

‎Financially, the club stands to benefit from a loan fee, while keeping the player’s future firmly in North London.

‎Some argue that a full-season loan in 2026-27 might be more effective than a six-month stint now, giving Nwaneri the chance to truly establish himself without the limitations of sporadic playing time.