Arsenal youngster, Ethan Nwaneri, is on the verge of joining Olympique Marseille on loan for the remainder of the 2025/26 season, with negotiations reported to be at an advanced stage.
Transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, disclosed on Tuesday that the deal would be a straight loan, with no option for Marseille to make the move permanent.
Romano wrote on 𝕏, “Ethan Nwaneri has accepted to join Olympique Marseille! Arsenal also believes it’s the best solution on loan. Arteta also spoke with Roberto De Zerbi, and OM is seen as the ideal solution. Straight loan deal at final stages, no buy option clause, expected to be agreed soon.”
According to the report, the 17-year-old midfielder has already held positive talks with Marseille head coach Roberto De Zerbi, while Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been closely involved in facilitating the move.
Both clubs are understood to believe that Marseille offers the right environment for Nwaneri to gain valuable first-team experience at a high competitive level.
Arsenal see the loan switch as the best pathway for the teenager’s development, preferring regular playing time in Ligue 1 rather than limited minutes on the bench in the Premier League.
The deal is expected to be completed in the coming days, paving the way for Nwaneri to link up with his new teammates in France and continue his development away from the Emirates Stadium.
