Marseille Reach Agreement with Arsenal for Ethan Nwaneri Loan Deal
Arsenal and Marseille have finalized a loan agreement for teenage midfielder Ethan Nwaneri. The 18-year-old England Under-21 international will join the French club until the end of the season. ESPN sources confirmed the deal includes no option to buy, keeping the Hale End academy graduate’s long-term future in north London.
Nwaneri signed a new contract with Arsenal last summer that runs until 2030. Despite his obvious talent, he has managed just 12 appearances across all competitions this season, totaling 515 minutes. He has started only four matches and not once in the Premier League since November.
🚨BREAKING: Marseille reach agreement with Arsenal to sign Ethan Nwaneri on loan.
18-year-old expected to travel to France after the game against Inter tonight.
Loan fee reduces the more games Ethan Nwaneri plays. Mike Arteta drove move for attacker to work under De Zerbi.… pic.twitter.com/duJYvDJE8e
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) January 20, 2026
The arrivals of Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke for a combined £115 million pushed him further down the pecking order behind Bukayo Saka.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano reports the loan fee could reach approximately €4 million, with a unique structure where the fee reduces based on appearances. Marseille will cover his wages in full.
Manager Mikel Arteta personally drove the move, holding direct conversations with Roberto De Zerbi about Nwaneri’s development. Arsenal sees the Italian coach’s attacking philosophy as ideal for his development.
Reports indicate Nwaneri is expected to travel to France after Arsenal’s Champions League fixture against Inter Milan later today.