Nigerian-eligible forward Ethan Nwaneri says Arsenal teammate William Saliba convinced him to opt for a move to French club Olympique Marseille this month, SportPremi reports.
The teenage sensation is reportedly close to making a move to the former Ligue One champions in the January transfer window after a loan deal was agreed with both parties.
The transfer fee depends on how regularly the England-born forward plays, with Marseille set to pay less if he plays more minutes, before returning to the Gunners at the end of the season.
Nwaneri broke out as a 15 year old in 2022, when he became the youngest player to feature in an English Premier League match, coming on in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Brentford in September at 15 years and 181 days.
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The 18-year-old enjoyed an outstanding campaign last season for Mikel Arteta’s men, helping them push for the league title and also to reach the semifinals of the Carabao Cup and the UEFA Champions League.
He played over 35 matches across all competitions in the absence of the likes of Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka with injuries.
However, he has been sparingly used this season due to the increased level of competition for spots in the squad, coupled with some summer arrivals in the attacking positions.
A loan move to France would certainly help his development, as he hopes for a big role when he returns at the end of the season.
What Nwaneri said ahead of potential Marseille transfer
Speaking during an interview, the 18-year-old who is still eligible to play for Nigeria through his parents, named French star Saliba as a major factor behind his decision to choose Marseille.
Recall that Saliba also enjoyed a successful loan spell at the club, before returning to Arsenal where he has now become one of the best defenders in the world.
“William Saliba told me OM is one of the best. Roberto De Zerbi is also one of the best coaches in the world”, Nwaneri stated.
“It’s one of the biggest clubs in Europe, and I’m ready to help the team.
“He [De Zerbi] is one of the best coaches in the world, he’s demanding. And I’m ready to play under him and listen to what he wants from the team.”
Meanwhile, Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed that Nwaneri, as well as another addition Quinten Timber, could play for the club this weekend in their crucial league match against Lens.
“As far as Timber and Nwaneri, they are two strong players and I’m really happy to have them in the squad. They could be ready as early as Saturday”, De Zerbi said.
“These are two quality players, for sure. Timber also has experience and Nwaneri has talent, he is a very high potential player.”
