Ethan Nwaneri in talks over Arsenal transfer exit after Mikel Arteta admission

Ethan Nwaneri is in talks over a temporary departure from Arsenal with Marseille discussing a loan move

Arsenal and Marseille in discussions over a loan move for Ethan Nwaneri, football.london understands. The situation is believed to be open at this stage but the player is keen on a chance to get more minutes this season.

The loan would not include a buy option but Arsenal would benefit from a loan fee.

Nwaneri is understood to be with the squad in Milan for Arsenal’s UEFA Champions League match with Inter Milan at the San Siro. Arteta will face the media after the game where he could face yet more questions on the 18-year-old’s future.

There was interest from clubs both in England and abroad throughout January. football.london reported that the club had knocked back an approach from West Ham earlier in the winter window.

Mikel Arteta was asked just under three weeks ago for his thoughts on the potential of Nwaneri leaving on loan. Unlike with Gabriel Jesus, who he outright ruled out leaving, he left the potential for Nwaneri’s future open to interpretation.

“That every player is important, every player has a role, that role can change throughout the season for different reasons, and everybody has to be ready to play. That’s it."

Arsenal have already suffered injuries in the attack, particularly up front. However, Martin Odegaard has suffered three separate problems already this season.

That said, Eberechi Eze, Mikel Merino and Kai Havertz can all play in the attacking midfield position giving Arteta plenty of options. Nwaneri has struggled to make matchday squads and despite being with the side in Italy, was again out of the Premier League squad who drew with Nottingham Forest on the weekend.