Marseille have reached an agreement with Arsenal to sign 18-year-old midfielder Ethan Nwaneri on loan until the end of the season, sources told ESPN.
The Gunners were initially reluctant to allow Nwaneri to leave the club as they chase silverware on four fronts, but now believe the 18-year-old’s development could be enhanced by being away.
Nwaneri has started just four games this season and just one since Nov. 4.
Sources say Marseille are willing to cover Nwaneri’s salary, but there would be no option or obligation to make the move permanent as he is seen as a key part of Arsenal’s long-term plans.
Speaking after Arsenal’s Champions League victory over Inter Milan later on Tuesday, manager Mikel Arteta said everyone will discuss the move with Nwaneri this week.
“We certainly have to evaluate the situation,” Arteta told reporters. “Obviously, Ethan is not playing the minutes he deserves and needs at his age. We will sit down this week and address the situation and give everyone’s input.
“In the end, we will make the decision that we believe is best for the player, because we have enormous talent there and we have to take care of it.”
There were several clubs interested in signing Nwaneri, including Crystal Palace and AFC Bournemouth, but sources suggest that Marseille’s style of play under Roberto de Zerbi was thought to be particularly suitable for the England under-21 international.
According to ESPN sources, his status in the Champions League is another attraction for the player.
Marseille have been actively searching for a number 10 in this window, according to ESPN sources.
Nwaneri played an important role last season when Bukayo Saka was sidelined with a hamstring injury, starting 10 of 15 games between January and April.
He signed a new contract last summer that ties him to the club until 2030. However, the Gunners signed Noni Madueke from Chelsea in the summer to ease the burden on Saka and added Eberechi Eze to bolster Arsenal’s central attacking positions, meaning Nwaneri’s playing time has been restricted.
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Gunners boss Mikel Arteta previously suggested no players would leave this month after seeing his squad repeatedly depleted by injuries this season, but sources say the club are now open to allowing Nwaneri to leave.
Reporting by ESPN’s Julien Laurens contributed to this report.
