Mikel Arteta key to impending switch as deal near completion after U-turn
Mikel Arteta has made a transfer U-turn after previously suggesting one star would not be allowed to leave the club despite an exit close to completion
Mikel Arteta made a U-turn on Ethan Nwaneri’s future(Image: Shaun Botterill, Getty Images)
Ethan Nwaneri has been given the green light to head over to Marseille on loan for the rest of the season, a move reportedly orchestrated by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.
At just 18, Nwaneri is one of the brightest sparks in the club, having climbed through the academy ranks. However, he’s found it tough to break into the first team as the Gunners are firing for their first Premier League title in over two decades.
His lack of game time in the first half of the season sparked rumours that the gifted youngster might be shipped out on loan during the January transfer window. Despite initial reports suggesting Arsenal wouldn’t let him go, it now seems Nwaneri is set for a loan spell, largely thanks to Arteta.
According to The Athletic, Arteta’s eagerness for Nwaneri to play under Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi played a big part in sealing the deal.
Marseille will cough up a hefty loan fee for Nwaneri’s services, which will decrease if he gets regular game time. Nwaneri had other potential suitors both in Europe and the Premier League.
The attacking midfielder is set to jet off to France on Wednesday following Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Inter. He’s following the path of William Saliba, who had a stint at Marseille on loan before carving out his place in Arteta’s squad.
Nwaneri has only been in the starting line-up four times for the Gunners this season, with two appearances in the Carabao Cup. He hasn’t played in the Premier League pitch since November.
Earlier this month, it was rumoured that neither Arsenal nor Nwaneri were considering over a loan move, and Arteta was asked about the possibility of letting the player go.
“Every player is very important, every player has a role,” Arteta responded. “That role can change throughout the season for different reasons and everybody has to be ready to play.
“It’s part of the journey, part of the journey for any player at this level, that’s it. Before, he was the youngest player ever to come in this football club, and now he’s going through that patch. Face it, challenge it and go for it, that’s it.”
