Nwaneri Seeks Minutes at Marseille After Limited Arsenal Opportunities
Young Arsenal talent Ethan Nwaneri has completed a loan move to French giants Marseille, aiming for increased first-team action. The Gunners' significant summer investment, including the arrivals of Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze, saw Nwaneri's opportunities dwindle at the Premier League leaders.
After a promising 2024-25 season where he featured in 26 league games (11 starts), the 18-year-old has been restricted to just 166 minutes across six substitute appearances this campaign. His recent start against Portsmouth in the FA Cup third round was only his fourth of the season, highlighting his struggle for regular minutes despite signing a new deal last year. Nwaneri chose Marseille over other interested clubs across Europe, hoping to play a more central role for the title-contending Ligue 1 side.
Saliba's Recommendation Proved Crucial for Nwaneri
Nwaneri openly shared that Arsenal's defensive stalwart, William Saliba, was instrumental in his decision to choose Marseille. Saliba himself experienced a transformative loan spell at OM during the 2021-22 season, making 36 league appearances and establishing himself as one of Europe's top young centre-backs.
Saliba's successful return to Arsenal in 2022 saw him become a cornerstone of their defense, starting 118 out of 136 possible league games since. Nwaneri, aiming for a similar trajectory, quoted his teammate, saying, "William Saliba told me OM is one of the best clubs in the world."
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Nwaneri Praises De Zerbi as Marseille Navigates Crucial Fixtures
Beyond Saliba's advice, Nwaneri is also eager to develop under Roberto De Zerbi, whom he regards as "one of the best coaches in the world." De Zerbi, who led Marseille to a second-placed finish last season, will be keen to integrate his new signing quickly as the club currently sits off the pace in Ligue 1, trailing leaders Lens by eight points and PSG by seven after 18 games.
Marseille faces a challenging period, looking to bounce back from a 3-0 Champions League defeat to Liverpool. This loss leaves them in the playoff spots, with critical European qualification still on the line. Ahead lies a demanding week, featuring a crucial Ligue 1 encounter against Lens, followed by a pivotal Champions League away fixture against Club Brugge, which could determine their European fate.
