Image source: bbc.com
Marseille are in talks with Arsenal about taking 18-year-old midfielder Ethan Nwaneri on loan for the rest of the season, with negotiations ongoing over terms including a loan fee. Nwaneri has made 12 appearances in all competitions, starting four matches and scoring once, but he has not started a Premier League game. The move appeals to the player as a chance for regular minutes abroad.
Marseille open talks with Arsenal over Ethan Nwaneri loan move
Marseille are in discussions to sign Arsenal midfielder Ethan Nwaneri on loan for the remainder of the season. Talks are continuing, with a loan fee described as one aspect of the deal being worked on as the clubs explore whether an agreement can be reached in this window.
BBC Sport previously reported Nwaneri was not expected to leave on loan this season, with the initial view from both the club and the player that the 18-year-old would benefit from staying in a squad described as challenging for a title. However, the prospect of playing in another league and country while gaining regular game time is said to be appealing to him.
The England Under-21 international has made 12 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions this season. He has started four games, but none in the Premier League, and has scored once, doing so in the Carabao Cup. Nwaneri signed a new contract in the summer that runs until 2030.
Nwaneri’s opportunities have been limited by Arsenal’s recruitment, with his path into the first team challenged by the signings of Noni Madueke for £48.5m and Eberechi Eze for £67m. The report said Nwaneri’s taste of regular minutes last season raised expectations, but with two England internationals ahead of him, consistent minutes have been difficult to secure.
Last season, Nwaneri played mostly on the right wing and scored nine goals in 37 appearances in all competitions. But with Madueke positioned as first-choice back-up to Bukayo Saka and Eze described as the number 10 to challenge captain Martin Odegaard, the two roles Nwaneri would fit into have become harder to access.
