Arsenal's Shocking January Move: Inside Arteta's Bold 'Yes' to Unexpected Transfer
Arsenal have reached an agreement to loan Ethan Nwaneri to Marseille for the remainder of the current campaign, according to confirmed reports, with Mikel Arteta eager for the young midfielder to gain experience under former Brighton & Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi.
Nwaneri made history as the Premier League's youngest ever player when he made his Arsenal debut in September 2022 at just 15 years and 181 days old, and he accumulated 37 total appearances for the Gunners during the previous campaign while serving as important backup for Bukayo Saka.
However, this term has seen Nwaneri fall further down the hierarchy behind more seasoned squad members. The summer acquisitions of Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze have resulted in Arteta giving Nwaneri only 12 opportunities thus far, with no Premier League action since November.
Determined to ensure the 18-year-old's progression doesn't stagnate, Arsenal have received loan interest from multiple European clubs—several of which were hoping to secure Nwaneri on a permanent basis. The Gunners have consistently rejected any notion of parting with Nwaneri and quickly dismissed all permanent transfer proposals.
The Athletic's David Ornstein confirms that Marseille have emerged victorious in securing Nwaneri's services, finalizing what appears to be a straightforward six-month loan arrangement without any permanent transfer option.
Marseille, presently sitting third in Ligue 1, have secured a deal that includes a substantial loan fee, though the undisclosed amount will decrease based on Nwaneri's actual playing time during the second half of the season.
Nwaneri Very Much Part of Arsenal's Future
Nwaneri Very Much Part of Arsenal's Future
Throughout their deliberations regarding Nwaneri, Arsenal have never entertained thoughts of permanently losing the history-making youngster. He is highly regarded at Emirates Stadium and has been praised as one of the finest talents of his age group, not only in England.
The Gunners had to fight off strong competition from several top European clubs when securing Nwaneri's signature on a new five-year deal last summer and, despite his reduced playing time under Arteta, he remains viewed as an integral component of the club's long-term plans.
Arsenal's immediate success strategy led them to be heavily active in the summer transfer market, investing significantly to acquire Madueke and Eze, among other players. Unfortunately for Nwaneri, these two new signings operate in his preferred positions.
Though utilized as a right-sided attacker at senior level following his role covering for Saka last season, Nwaneri's youth development has primarily been as a central attacking midfielder, a position typically filled in the first team by club captain Martin Ødegaard.
The 18-year-old has suffered due to Arsenal's increased squad depth and will welcome the opportunity to secure consistent playing time at Marseille under former Brighton boss De Zerbi—Arteta is believed to have been particularly enthusiastic about Nwaneri working alongside the Italian coach.
Nwaneri will rejoin Arsenal during the summer and will aim to have elevated his standing in Arteta's considerations. If not, questions regarding his long-term future at Arsenal will likely emerge once again.