Arteta challenges Ethan Nwaneri to turn Marseille spell into turning point

Mikel Arteta has urged Ethan Nwaneri to use the questions over his commitment at Marseille as a key learning moment in his young career.

The Arsenal midfielder moved to the French club on loan in January, hoping for regular senior minutes and the chance to grow under coach Roberto De Zerbi.

His game time has since dried up, though. Nwaneri has not started a match since he was taken off at half-time against PSG in February and he remained on the bench for Marseille’s recent clash with Nice. Coach Habib Beye has publicly highlighted concerns about the teenager’s day-to-day application, pointing out that other players have shown greater consistency in training and preparation.

Arteta respects that assessment. “I think that’s the coach’s opinion. He’s with him every single day and that’s it. He’s the one making the decision, he’s the one that sees and understands better what he’s doing. Ethan has to respond to that in the right way,” the Arsenal boss said, noting that William Saliba also spent time at the same club before thriving at Arsenal.

“Maybe it’s the best thing that can happen for Ethan, for his career. Maybe, we don’t know.”