Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri holds positive talks over loan to Champions League club | Football
Ethan Nwaneri has held ‘positive talks’ over a loan move to Marseille, 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 a brilliant breakout season for the teenager and in August 2025 he signed a new long-term contract with the Gunners.
However, after the summer arrivals of Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke, Nwaneri has not been able to kick on.
Despite Arsenal competing on four fronts, the versatile midfielder has made just 12 appearances in all competitions, scoring once in the Carabao Cup.
His six Premier League appearances have all come as a substitute and he has made just one start in the Champions League.
French side Marseille are looking to take advantage of the situation and are making a move to loan the teenager for the rest 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 both Nwaneri and Arteta.
Arsenal have no interest in letting the teenager leave on a permanent basis, so it would just be a loan move with no option to buy in the summer.
There is interest from other teams, but the Gunners are reportedly tempted by the Marseille move for Nwaneri due to De Zerbi’s style of football.
Marseille are currently third in Ligue 1 and 16th in the Champions League table, hosting Liverpool on Wednesday night.
A loan switch would include a fee for Nwaneri which would be based on the number of appearances he makes for Marseille.
A decision will be made in the coming days, with Arsenal considering the best option as they are keen for the youngster to get more minutes on the pitch.
Despite his lack of game time this season, Arteta will be wary that the Gunners have an incredibly packed schedule.
Ethan Nwaneri on signing his new Arsenal contract
After signing his new Gunners deal in August, Nwaneri said: ‘It means everything to me, I’m so happy to have got it done. This is where I feel at home, and where I’m going to develop the best. I’m ready.
‘I’m very excited. I see this as my first real season, and part of a proper squad in the changing room. I’m so excited for what I can bring to the team and how I can help the team.
‘I’m a very versatile player, so I think I’m going to play anywhere across the front five, and I’m ready to do what the manager needs.’
Arsenal still have four more matches to play before the end of January, starting with a trip to play Inter Milan on Tuesday night.
Nwaneri enjoyed a rare start in the 4-1 win over Portsmouth in the FA Cup this month, with Arteta saying it is only due to the huge competition in his squad that has seen the teenager miss out on minutes.
‘He deserved that,’ said Arteta. ‘Because of the strength of the squad and the players that are in the positions, he hasn’t been able to play. Today he’s done it, and I think he had some very good minutes.’
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Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri holds positive talks over loan to Champions League club | Football
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