January 23, (THEWILL) — Arsenal teenage midfielder, Ethan Nwaneri, will complete the 2025/2026 campaign on loan at Marseille after the Gunners confirmed his temporary departure. The 18-year-old has featured in only 12 matches this term, starting just four, and has found the net once.
Nwaneri broke into the first team in the 2024/2025 campaign when injuries depleted the attacking options, accumulating 37 appearances across all competitions. He holds the distinction of being the English Premier League’s youngest ever participant, having played against Brentford in September 2022, aged 15 years and 181 days.
The arrivals of Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke have restricted his opportunities under Mikel Arteta this season. Marseille currently sit third in Ligue 1, trailing leaders Lens by eight points, and occupy a UEFA Champions League play-off position.
Speaking before the Manchester United fixture, Arteta explained the reasoning behind the loan arrangement. He said the club’s talented youngsters require regular playing time and that limiting Nwaneri’s development would be counterproductive given his ability and passion for the game. Following discussions with the player, his father, and his representative, all parties agreed that a temporary move served his best interests.
Arteta cited the club’s positive experience with William Saliba at Marseille and praised manager Roberto De Zerbi’s track record with young players. He described De Zerbi as brave in his tactical approach and committed to giving youth opportunities, making the French club an ideal environment for Nwaneri’s continued growth.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
