Arsenal Wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri Reveals Which Teammate Convinced Him to Make Loan Move
Arsenal prospect Ethan Nwaneri has not yet been formally presented by Olympique Marseille following his loan agreement with the Gunners, but he has already had the opportunity to discuss William Saliba's influence in this somewhat unexpected January transfer.
With only 515 first-team minutes accumulated this season, including zero Premier League starting appearances, a temporary move for regular game time was always a probable route for Nwaneri.
Many wouldn't have predicted Marseille as the top choice for his destination, but examining the situation more closely reveals numerous logical aspects to this decision.
Beyond playing opportunities—Nwaneri had fallen behind in two positions following last summer's acquisitions of Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke—Marseille's reputation in football was crucial.
During an initial meeting with French media, Nwaneri commented upon his arrival in France, via FootMercato: "It's among the finest clubs globally, with exceptionally devoted supporters."
He has received a strong recommendation from an Arsenal teammate as well: "William Saliba informed me it's among the finest clubs worldwide."
William Saliba's Marseille Loan a 'Very Big Turning Point'
William Saliba's Marseille Loan a 'Very Big Turning Point'
Saliba is greatly indebted to Marseille, the institution where his professional journey truly flourished after his youthful promise appeared to be fading.
The defender initially remained on loan at Saint-Étienne following his Arsenal signing in 2019, before being excluded from senior teams during the opening half of 2020–21 upon his London arrival. The Gunners had considered loaning him to a Championship side, but an encouraging six-month spell at OGC Nice developed into the 2021–22 season spent on loan with Marseille.
Saliba earned Ligue 1's Young Player of the Year award and was incorporated into Mikel Arteta's team shortly thereafter, establishing himself as one of the world's elite defenders within months. Looking back on his Marseille experience years later, Saliba told L'Équipe it represented a "very significant turning point."
Roberto De Zerbi Influences Arsenal's Nwaneri Decision
Roberto De Zerbi Influences Arsenal's Nwaneri Decision
An additional consideration for Nwaneri, and apparently Arsenal too, is Roberto De Zerbi.
During his short conversation with journalists, Nwaneri described the Marseille manager as "among the finest coaches globally," while reports this week indicated that Arsenal are particularly "drawn" to having their 18-year-old prospect develop under the Italian's guidance.
In 2022, Arteta described De Zerbi as an "exceptional coach with very distinct philosophies I find compelling to observe."
The former Brighton & Hove Albion head coach has been connected with Manchester United, who are seeking a new permanent manager beyond this season's conclusion. However, his focus remains firmly on Marseille, though conversations regarding his long-term prospects in southern France will eventually be necessary, given a contract with fewer than 18 months remaining.