Ethan Nwaneri has posed in Marseille’s colours for the first time after agreeing to join the club on loan from Arsenal for the remainder of the season.
The attacking midfielder is widely regarded to be among the most exciting young talents in English football having broken into Arsenal’s first-team squad at the age of just 15.
But Nwaneri, now aged 18, has struggled to nail down regular minutes for the high-flying Gunners this season, failing to make a single league start under Mikel Arteta in the first half of the campaign.
Arsenal had initially been reluctant to consider loan offers from within the Premier League for Nwaneri, with West Ham and Bournemouth both credited with a strong interest.
However, the north London outfit changed their stance when Marseille entered the running for the teenager and discussions have progressed at a pace over the last 48 hours.
Nwaneri and his entourage travelled to France for a medical earlier today and the finishing touches regarding a temporary agreement have now been completed, with official announcement of the move imminent.
‘William Saliba told me that Marseille are one of the best clubs in the world,’ Nwaneri revealed as he proudly held aloft an official club scarf in Marseille this evening.
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It’s clear Nwaneri is raring to go at Marseille and looking forward to playing under Roberto De Zerbi, whose side currently sit third in the Ligue 1 table.
‘Roberto De Zerbi is also one of the best coaches in the world,’ he said of the former Brighton head coach.
Feyenoord defender Quinton Timber, the brother of Arsenal full-back Jurrien, is also expected be presented to Marseille fans over the coming hours.
Nwaneri’s arrival at Marseille is likely to speed up the departure of England international Angel Gomes, who has been told to find a new club this January.
Marseille have also been exploring a possible move for Angers star Himad Abdelli in recent weeks, with De Zerbi keen to strengthen his midfield options before the transfer deadline.
‘Regarding the transfer market, I don’t think it’s the right time to talk about it,’ De Zerbi said when quizzed on potential incomings and outgoings ahead of Marseille’s Champions League clash with Liverpool.
Asked specifically about Nwaneri, the Italian replied: ‘I know him, he’s a good player.
‘But you will have to ask [Marseille president] Pablo Longoria.’
Nwaneri has received plenty of advice over his future in recent days, with fans and former players divided on whether or not the youngster should be leaving his boyhood club halfway through the season.
David Seaman and Emmanuel Eboue have been among those encouraging Nwaneri to stay put and be patient for playing time in the second half of the season.
However, ex-Arsenal defender Lauren holds an altogether different view, telling Metro on behalf of GeckoPlay Casino: ‘First of all, youngsters have to play to able to develop and improve his qualities.
‘We know about his qualities. A young player needs to play if he is to develop. At this moment of time, it’s very difficult for him to pop up into the team because there a top player now.
There are more good players in the last third so for him it’s more difficult, and it’s the same with Dowman.
‘It’s not a bad idea to go on loan and then to play the games that you need to develop. Maybe he might come back. It’s not the end of the world.
‘I believe it could be a good option for a youngster to move along and then come back later on.’
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