Ethan Nwaneri has held ‘positive talks’ over a loan move to Marseille, together with his first team opportunities at Arsenal limited.
The 18-year-old made regular appearances under Mikel Arteta last season, turning out 37 times in all competitions and scoring nine goals.
It was an excellent breakout season for the teenager and in August 2025 he signed a brand new long-term contract with the Gunners.
Nevertheless, after the summer arrivals of Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke, Nwaneri has not been capable of kick on.
Despite Arsenal competing on 4 fronts, the versatile midfielder has made just 12 appearances in all competitions, scoring once within the Carabao Cup.
His six Premier League appearances have all come instead and he has made only one start within the Champions League.
French side Marseille want to make the most of the situation and are making a move to loan the teenager for the remainder of the season.
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The Athletic report that an agreement is yet to be reached, but Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi has held ‘positive talks’ with each Nwaneri and Arteta.
Arsenal have no real interest in letting the teenager leave on a everlasting basis, so it will just be a loan move with no choice to buy in the summertime.
There may be interest from other teams, however the Gunners are reportedly tempted by the Marseille move for Nwaneri as a consequence of De Zerbi’s form of football.
Marseille are currently third in Ligue 1 and sixteenth within the Champions League table, hosting Liverpool on Wednesday night.
A loan switch would come with a fee for Nwaneri which can be based on the variety of appearances he makes for Marseille.
A choice will probably be made in the approaching days, with Arsenal considering the perfect option as they’re keen for the teen to get more minutes on the pitch.
Despite his lack of game time this season, Arteta will probably be wary that the Gunners have an incredibly packed schedule.
Ethan Nwaneri on signing his latest Arsenal contract
After signing his latest Gunners deal in August, Nwaneri said: ‘It means all the pieces to me, I’m so blissful to have gotten it done. That is where I feel at home, and where I’m going to develop the perfect. I’m ready.
‘I’m very excited. I see this as my first real season, and a part of a correct squad within the changing room. I’m so excited for what I can bring to the team and the way I may help the team.
‘I’m a really versatile player, so I believe I’m going to play anywhere across the front five, and I’m able to do what the manager needs.’
Arsenal still have 4 more matches to play before the top of January, starting with a visit to play Inter Milan on Tuesday night.
Nwaneri enjoyed a rare start within the 4-1 win over Portsmouth within the FA Cup this month, with Arteta saying it is simply as a consequence of the large competition in his squad that has seen the teenager miss out on minutes.
‘He deserved that,’ said Arteta. ‘Due to strength of the squad and the players which can be within the positions, he hasn’t been capable of play. Today he’s done it, and I believe he had some superb minutes.’
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