Arsenal’s statement win over Inter Milan would’ve felt bittersweet for Ethan Nwaneri, who might’ve watched his last match from the sidelines this season.
Nwaneri is set to leave Arsenal on loan to sign for Marseille, who are close to agreeing a deal to sign the 18-year-old until the end of the 2025/26 season.
Despite the loan move being almost complete, Nwaneri was named in Arsenal’s matchday squad to face Inter, but unsurprisingly didn’t feature.
Following the Gunners’ 3-1 win at San Siro, Mikel Arteta was asked about the Arsenal academy graduate’s future, where he commented on the proposed move for the first time.
“We have to assess the situation. He is probably not playing the minutes he deserves,” the Arsenal manager admitted.
“We are going to sit down this week and make a decision that is the best one for the player. We have a massive talent there, and we need to look after him.”
It was refreshing to hear Arteta speak as he did about Nwaneri, who is not getting the opportunities that were there for him last season at Arsenal.
Fill in the blank: Mikel Arteta’s decision to loan Ethan Nwaneri to Marseille is _________
Andrea Berta was smart in Ethan Nwaneri to Marseille loan deal
The news was reported by David Ornstein on Tuesday morning, and by the evening, the move looks to be in its final stages.
On X, Ornstein provided additional detail about the deal, revealing the finances that sporting director Andrea Berta is set to implement.
The move will include a ‘sizeable fee’, which will reduce based on how many games Nwaneri plays.
It encourages Marseille to utilise the Arsenal youngster in order to avoid a larger sum, which suits all parties.
The opportunity is a huge one for the highly-rated teenager, who now has a platform to shine at the highest level.
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