Arsenal prospect Ethan Nwaneri signs with Marseille on a loan for the season.
Highly-regarded Arsenal prospect Ethan Nwaneri has been loaned to Marseille until the conclusion of the season, as confirmed by both clubs.
Following a breakout season at the Emirates last year, the 18-year-old has found it challenging to secure first-team opportunities this season, making 12 appearances across all competitions without starting a Premier League match.
Sources have informed ESPN that there is no requirement for the loan to become permanent, with Nwaneri viewed as a significant part of Arsenal’s future plans.
During a press conference on Friday, manager Mikel Arteta emphasized the necessity of facilitating Nwaneri’s growth, which this loan arrangement will support.
“The gifted young players we possess require playing time, and Ethan wasn’t receiving sufficient minutes,” Arteta stated.
“The last thing we want is to hinder his development because he is such a talent. He lives and breathes football. That is his life.
“Initially, there is excitement because you talk to the manager, who is very enthusiastic about you, and you are going to start many games, which is all positive. But then you have to think: ‘Alright, pack your bags, here are the flight tickets to Marseille.’
“And then there is the anxiety and uncertainty of leaving a place that has been very comfortable for him [Nwaneri].
– Transfer window weekly: Arsenal, Liverpool, Man City in for Bundesliga wonderkid
– Arsenal’s set pieces, own goals set for Premier League record
– Gabriel Jesus: ‘My wish is to stay at Arsenal’ after injury-hit spell
“Ultimately, you have to be thrown into a challenging football environment, and it will greatly benefit him.”
After William Saliba’s successful loan at Marseille, Arteta was keen to highlight how the circumstances are favorable for Nwaneri in Ligue 1.
“Considering all the options, and reflecting on the experience we had in Marseille with William [Saliba], along with the fact that Roberto [De Zerbi] is there, who is an exceptional developer of young talent and plays in a bold manner, it will be a fantastic experience for Ethan,” he remarked.
Arsenal heads into this weekend’s fixtures with a seven-point lead at the top as they pursue their first Premier League title in 22 years, while Marseille currently sits third in Ligue 1, aiming to recover from a 3-0 loss to Liverpool in the Champions League earlier this week.
Information from ESPN’s James Olley and PA contributed to this report.
