Arsenal authorise transfer deal as midfielder flies out to complete medical

Ethan Nwaneri has made 12 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions this season – but he now looks set to leave the club in the coming days

Ethan Nwaneri has been allowed to travel to France after Arsenal authorised his move to Marseille. The Athletic is reporting that the midfielder will undergo medicals and, if all goes well, will join the French side on loan until the end of the season.

Nwaneri starred for the Gunners in a breakthrough campaign last year, scoring nine times across all competitions. But he has found opportunities difficult to come by so far this season.

Nwaneri has not started a Premier League match this season, playing just 165 minutes in the competition so far. His loan move to Marseille will not include an option to buy, and the development fee will be determined by the number of minutes that he plays.

Speaking after Arsenal’s 3-1 win, where Nwaneri remained on the bench, manager Mikel Arteta said: “We certainly have to assess the situation.

“Obviously, Ethan is not playing the minutes that he deserves and needs at his age. We’re going to sit down this week and address the situation and give everybody’s opinion.

“At the end, we’ll make the decision that we believe is the best one for the player, because we have a massive talent there and we need to look after it.”

Nwaneri penned a five-year deal to remain at the Emirates last summer, and after signing his contract, he revealed: “It means everything to me, I'm so happy to have got it done. This is where I feel at home, and where I’m going to develop the best. I'm ready.

“I’m very excited. I see this as my first real season and part of a proper squad in the changing room. I'm so excited for what I can bring to the team and how I can help the team.

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“I'm a very versatile player, so I think I'm going to play anywhere across the front five, and I’m ready to do what the manager needs.”

He added: “I've had to adapt to the demands of the Premier League, so I think I've changed physically, but also mentally as well in terms of dealing with setbacks and injuries.

“I think I've definitely become stronger. I think I've actually become more direct over the past few years and I've added more goals, so I'm excited for what will come next.”