Softfootball understands that Ethan Nwaneri has officially touched down in Marseille today to seal his loan move from Arsenal until the end of the season, following recent reports that Marseille are leading the race to sign the Arsenal teenager on loan.
The highly rated 18-year-old midfielder arrived in the south of France full of confidence and excitement, clearly ready for what he described as a big step in his young career.
Speaking shortly after his arrival, as reported by Fabrizio Romano via his official X account, Nwaneri revealed the strong influence of Arsenal teammate William Saliba in his decision.
He said:
Ethan Nwaneri arrives in Marseille as planned: William Saliba told me OM is one of the best clubs in the world. Roberto De Zerbi is also one of the best coaches in the world.
Saliba had a huge successful loan spell at Marseille during the 2021–22 campaign. That period proved vital in Saliba’s development, leading to him recently signing a new contract extension with Arsenal, and also ultimately paved the way for his rise into Arsenal’s first team, something many now hope Nwaneri can replicate.
The England youth international also reserved glowing praise for Marseille’s head coach, Roberto De Zerbi, describing him as one of the best coaches in the world, a statement that reflects the growing reputation of the Italian tactician.
Known for his attacking ideas and trust in young players during his time at Brighton, De Zerbi is widely seen as an ideal mentor for a talent like Nwaneri. His philosophy, in some ways, mirrors that of Mikel Arteta, which makes the transition feel quite natural.
The loan agreement does not include an option to buy, a clear signal of Arsenal’s long-term faith in Nwaneri, who signed a five-year contract in August 2025. Still, the deal is not a simple one.
It includes performance-related clauses, with the loan fee and a separate development bonus linked directly to his playing time. In short, Marseille are financially encouraged to actually use him, not just bench him.
Nwaneri now joins a familiar Arsenal-to-Marseille pathway, following in the footsteps of Saliba, Matteo Guendouzi, and Nuno Tavares. Club sources insist this move is about growth, no doubt. If history is any guide, Marseille could be the perfect proving ground again.
