Marseille closing in on deal for teenage Arsenal star

Marseille are closing in on a deal to sign Arsenal winger Ethan Nwaneri on loan for the rest of the season, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

The 18-year-old has been reduced to a bit-part role with the Gunners this season, stunting his progress, and both player and manager Mikel Arteta are eager for him to get more first-team experience.

Nwaneri made his Arsenal debut in September 2022 and was a regular fixture in the squad thereafter, gradually increasing his playing time to the extent that he made 37 appearances last season in all competitions.

However, the arrivals of Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke – and the continued brilliance of Bukayo Saka in Nwaneri’s preferred right-wing position – has made things harder this year.

The England Under-21 international has made just six substitute appearances in the Premier League and 12 overall.

De Zerbi a factor in Arsenal being willing to let Nwaneri leave

Several other clubs across Europe and in England are keen on Nwaneri but Marseille is seen as a good option due to the possession-heavy style deployed by boss Roberto De Zerbi as well as the intense atmosphere that players have to cope with at the Stade Velodrome.

The Athletic report the deal is a straight loan that includes a fee but no option to make the move permanent.

Marseille are third in Ligue 1, eight points behind surprise leaders Lens.