Gunners phenom set to leave after crunch talks with Mikel Arteta; Euro giants closing in
Ethan Nwaneri looks set to leave Arsenal on loan this month after holding crucial talks with Mikel Arteta last week, with a deal now in place for the highly-rated teenager to play regularly in the first team elsewhere.
The 17-year-old prodigy, considered one of English football’s brightest talents, was previously close to the Gunners’ senior set-up.
However, sources say Arteta and Nwaneri reached a mutual decision that a temporary move would accelerate his development.
Marseille appear very keen to secure the youngster, but they still face competition. We’re told at least half a dozen Premier League clubs have also made inquiries, keen to sign the creative midfielder for the remainder of the season.
Nwaneri’s agents previously had Jonathan Rowe at Marseille, so they have close links with Roberto De Zerbi and would therefore hand the player over to him.
Fabrizio Romano reported that Nwaneri had “agreed” a loan to Marseille – which will not include any option to buy – but the deal has not yet been finalized.
We can also reveal that Arsenal legend Cesc Fabregas would be willing to take him to Como, but discussions with all interested parties are ongoing.
Want more groundbreaking transfer lines from original sources? Add TEAMtalk as preferred source on Google to your favorites list for news you can trust.
Marseille wants to win the race at Nwaneri
Nwaneri’s technical ability and versatility have made him a fixture in Arsenal’s academy, and the decision to grant a loan reflects Arteta’s long-term plan to integrate him into the first team once he gains more experience at senior level.
Nwaneri became the youngest player to appear in a top-flight English match when he made his Premier League debut for Arsenal in 2022, aged just 15 years and 181 days.
He has since made 51 senior appearances for the Gunners, scoring 10 goals and two assists.
But with other players currently ahead of Nwaneri in Mikel Arteta’s pecking order, a loan from the Emirates makes perfect sense to aid his development.
With the January window heating up, expect this to be one of the most watched moves in the coming days. The race is on – and Arsenal will determine which destination offers the best route for their rising star.
Marseille appear favorites to sign the youngster on a direct loan, but Arsenal still believe he will go on to have a successful career in north London.
Arsenal latest news: Real Madrid star wanted / Inter full-back linked
Meanwhile, respected journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Arsenal are interested in Real Madrid star Victor Valdepenas, who can play as a central defender or left back.
Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen are also interested in the talented 19-year-old, but his future is in Madrid’s hands, with his contract running until 2029. We will post an update on Valdepenas’ future later today, so stay tuned.
Elsewhere, Arsenal are being linked with a surprise move for Inter Milan right-back Federico Dimarco.
The Gunners have ‘set their sights’ on Italian left-back Dimarco and have a ‘genuine interest’ in doing a deal amid uncertainty over his future at Inter, according to reports from Italy.
Get the inside story first by joining our TEAMtalk Facebook channel to receive exclusive breaking news straight to your Messenger inbox.