Ethan Nwaneri is travelling to France to finalise a loan move to Marseille after receiving the green light from Arsenal. The 18-year-old midfielder will spend the remainder of the season in Ligue 1 under head coach Roberto De Zerbi, with the deal structured to give Arsenal some control over playing time.
The loan carries no option to buy, and the fee will be adjusted based on the English-Nigerian’s minutes on the pitch, with a penalty system tied to his appearances. He is expected to undergo a medical and complete formalities before the week concludes.
Limited opportunities at Arsenal
Nwaneri has struggled for game time at Arsenal this season. He has started only four matches—two in the Carabao Cup, one in the FA Cup, and one in the Champions League—and appeared six times in the Premier League, with his last league outing coming in November.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has highlighted the midfielder’s importance to the squad, noting that players’ roles can change over the season. “It’s part of the journey for any player at this level. Face it, challenge it and go for it, that’s it,” Arteta said earlier this month.
Career milestones and previous loan pathways
The England youth international made history as the youngest-ever Premier League player in September 2022 at 15 years and 181 days. Since then, he has made 50 first-team appearances for Arsenal, scoring 10 goals.
His loan to Marseille follows a pathway taken by fellow Gunners including William Saliba, Matteo Guendouzi, Nuno Tavares, and Sead Kolasinac, who all spent time in France to gain first-team experience.
Looking ahead
Nwaneri’s move comes as Marseille prepare for a Champions League clash against Liverpool on Wednesday, followed by a Ligue 1 home fixture against Lens on Saturday.
The loan is designed to provide him with consistent minutes in a competitive environment, helping him develop while maintaining ties with Arsenal, where he signed a five-year contract in August 2025 after turning professional the previous March.
