Mikel Arteta Sends Clear Signal on Ethan Nwaneri's Arsenal Future with Bold "Certainly" Declaration

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta acknowledged that the club would need to "definitely" consider allowing Ethan Nwaneri to depart on a temporary deal this January.

Nwaneri has found playing time hard to come by during this season, managing only four starting appearances across all tournaments and accumulating a mere 521 minutes. For most young players, any game time with a club competing at Arsenal's level would be considered valuable, but expectations surrounding Nwaneri are skewed due to his exceptional development.

This is an 18-year-old whose professional journey started three-and-a-half years ago. Nwaneri secured 16 starting positions last season, which is three more than four-time Premier League winner Raheem Sterling managed.

Given his restricted participation, Nwaneri has been connected with a January move for increased playing opportunities. Several sources suggest that an arrangement has already been finalized with Marseille to loan the prospect for the remainder of the campaign.

Following Tuesday's commanding 3–1 victory over Inter—yet another match where Nwaneri remained on the substitutes' bench—Arteta acknowledged: "We definitely need to evaluate the circumstances. Clearly, Ethan isn't getting the playing time that he likely merits and requires at his stage of development.

"Therefore, we plan to meet this week, discuss the circumstances, gather everyone's input and ultimately we'll reach the decision that we consider best for the player, as we have exceptional talent here and we must nurture it properly."

"We shall see," Arteta responded when questioned further on the matter. "Let's initially make the right decision, and then we can determine what the consequences will be."

'Good Player'—De Zerbi Addresses Nwaneri Transfer Links

'Good Player'—De Zerbi Addresses Nwaneri Transfer Links

Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi faced questions about Nwaneri prior to facing Liverpool in the Champions League on Wednesday evening. The normally vocal Italian was surprisingly reserved on the subject.

"I'm familiar with him, he's a talented player," De Zerbi confirmed. "However, you'll need to speak with [Marseille president Pablo] Longoria."

Determining Marseille's system under De Zerbi is like catching smoke with bare hands. This tactical adaptability has sometimes hindered the historic French club this season, switching from four-man defenses to three-man backlines, a midfield trio quickly replaced by a two-man partnership. Nwaneri's adaptability should assist him in adjusting to these constantly evolving requirements, with the compact left-footed player capable in central midfield or on the right flank.

Any destination offering more regular playing time would certainly benefit Nwaneri at this stage of his development.