Olympique de Marseille have moved to secure the signature of Arsenal’s young talent Ethan Nwaneri.
Medhi Benatia is accelerating Marseille’s winter transfer plans. The club are looking to bolster their midfield alongside Abdelli and Timber with Lucas Da Cunha, but that is not all. The Athletic have reported strong interest from the French side in Nwaneri.
According to the English outlet, Marseille are seeking a loan deal until the end of the season for the 18-year-old, who is looking for regular playing time during the second half of the campaign after limited opportunities under Mikel Arteta. Arsenal are open to a loan move without an option to buy.
Loan offer reportedly made for Nwaneri by Marseille
The news has been confirmed by several media outlets, including Fabrizio Romano. The transfer expert reports that Marseille have submitted a paid loan offer until June, with no purchase option, and with Nwaneri’s wages covered. The fee is reportedly over €3m and linked to the number of appearances made by the player.
The Gunners are not opposed to the deal, with negotiations ongoing between the two clubs. Marseille appear well-placed to secure Nwaneri, though the teenager is also reportedly on the radar of Bournemouth and Leeds, while interest has also emerged from Italy and Crystal Palace, according to Romano.
If Nwaneri joins Marseille, his utilisation under De Zerbi will be key. A paid loan based on appearances gives the French club an incentive to give him regular playing time. The England U21 international is an attacking midfielder by trade but can also operate on the right wing, covering the two areas Marseille were looking to strengthen this winter. He could feature as a number 10 or as an alternative to Mason Greenwood on the right.
Backup to Greenwood or starting number 10?
It seems unlikely Nwaneri will displace Greenwood on the right wing, but De Zerbi could use him as a backup, giving his star player rest in domestic cup fixtures or selected Ligue 1 matches. This would make him more likely to feature in the central attacking midfield role.
He could also cover for the likely departure of Angel Gomes, with Marseille reportedly facilitating his exit. Nwaneri would compete with Hamed Junior Traoré in that role and potentially with Himad Abdelli, who is still expected to arrive this January.
Regardless of whether he becomes a starter, Ethan Nwaneri will provide De Zerbi with an additional attacking option, particularly as a super-sub, following a campaign in which he scored nine goals and provided two assists in 37 appearances for Arsenal. He also brings the experience of the Champions League to Marseille.
This article was originally published on Top Mercato.
