Marseille is negotiating a loan deal for Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri as the January transfer window approaches. The 18-year-old midfielder has struggled to find playing time this season.
Loan Interest from Marseille
Reports from The Athletic indicate that Marseille, currently in third place in Ligue 1, is keen on acquiring Nwaneri for the second half of the season. The club has expressed a willingness to pay a loan fee to secure the young talent.
Current Situation at Arsenal
This season, Nwaneri has only made four starts across all competitions, amassing just 515 minutes of play. This performance starkly contrasts with his impact last year when he provided crucial cover during injury crises.
- Last appearance in the Premier League: Brief two-minute cameo in November.
- Missed four consecutive league matchday squads since.
Other Club Interests
Aside from Marseille, Bournemouth and West Ham United have also shown interest in Nwaneri. Notably, he turned down a summer move to Borussia Dortmund to sign a new contract with Arsenal.
Impact of Competition
Nwaneri may have initially aimed to secure a spot in England’s squad for the upcoming World Cup. However, with the addition of Eberechi Eze to the team and Mikel Arteta’s preference for experienced players such as Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, and Martin Odegaard, his opportunities have dwindled.
Importance of a Loan Spell
A productive loan could be crucial for Nwaneri’s development. Gaining regular playing time will enable him to refine his skills and potentially rekindle his international ambitions.
Potential Movements of Other Players
In addition to Nwaneri, Arsenal may see former players Brooke Norton-Cuffy and Nuno Tavares move in January. Norton-Cuffy, currently at Genoa, is attracting attention from three Premier League clubs: Newcastle, Everton, and West Ham. Tavares has been linked to Besiktas.
If these transfers occur, Arsenal could benefit financially from sell-on clauses associated with these players.
