Arsenal agree to loan Ethan Nwaneri to Marseille – sources

Marseille have reached an agreement with Arsenal to sign 18-year-old midfielder Ethan Nwaneri on loan until the end of the season, sources have told ESPN.

The Gunners were initially reluctant to allow Nwaneri to leave the club as they chased silverware on four fronts, but now believe the 18-year-old’s development could be better served by a spell away.

Nwaneri has only started four games this season and only one since November 4.

Sources say Marseille are willing to cover Nwaneri’s salary, but there would be no option or obligation to make the move permanent as he is seen as a key part of Arsenal’s long-term plans.

Several clubs were interested in signing Nwaneri, including Crystal Palace and AFC Bournemouth, but sources suggest Marseille’s style of play under Roberto de Zerbi was seen as particularly suited to the England Under-21 international.

According to ESPN sources, their Champions League status is another draw for the player

Marseille are actively looking for a No. 10 this window, according to ESPN sources.

Nwaneri played an important role last season when Bukayo Saka was sidelined with a hamstring injury, starting 10 of 15 matches between January and April.

He signed a new contract last summer tying him to the club until 2030. However, the Gunners signed Noni Madueke from Chelsea this summer to ease the burden on Saka while adding Eberechi Eze to strengthen Arsenal’s central attacking positions, meaning Nwaneri’s playing time has been restricted.

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Gunners boss Mikel Arteta previously suggested no players would leave this month after seeing his squad repeatedly depleted by injuries this season, but sources say the club are now prepared to allow Nwaneri to leave.

Reporting from ESPN’s Julien Laurens contributed to this report.