Marseille make stance clear on Ethan Nwaneri after loan debut
Olympique de Marseille president Pablo Longoria has dismissed any chance of the club signing Ethan Nwaneri on a permanent deal from Arsenal this summer.
The French side secured the 18-year-old midfielder on loan until the end of the season after his lack of regular action at the Emirates Stadium.
That early impact sparked talk about Marseille keeping him beyond the loan spell, but Longoria has firmly played down that idea.
Speaking to the Telegraph, the club president made it clear that Arsenal still see the teenager as a key part of their future plans.
He said: “Let’s say a very clear thing – an option to buy is unrealistic. He’s one of the main assets for the future of Arsenal. For us, the value lies in his talent and his sporting performances.
“For Arsenal, it’s contributing to the gameplay, and for the player, a step in growing up and being coached by Roberto.”
Longoria also pointed to the role of Marseille’s head coach in the move, stressing the value of the learning process.
He added: “Our coach, Roberto De Zerbi, is a good incentive, he’s recognised as one of the most creative coaches in Europe, and that kind of thing for the players is important.”
Why Nwaneri needs regular minutes
Nwaneri first caught attention when he made his senior Arsenal debut at a very young age.
He appeared in the Premier League against Brentford on 18 September 2022, setting a record as the youngest player in the competition.
At just 15 years and 181 days, he showed early signs of his promise on the biggest stage in English football.
Last season marked a significant step forward in his development at Arsenal. During a campaign hit by injuries, he began to feature more often and showed his ability at the top level.
He ended that season with nine goals and two assists, which underlined his growing influence in the side.
Those performances were followed by an improved contract, reflecting Arsenal’s belief in his long-term value.
This season, his chances became limited as competition increased in attacking areas.
The arrivals of Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke pushed him further down the order, reducing his minutes.
That situation made a temporary move away the best option for both player and club.
Loan spell seen as key step
A loan switch to Marseille offers Nwaneri the chance to play more often in a strong league.
It also allows him to develop under De Zerbi, who has a strong record of working with young players.
Arsenal will hope the experience helps him mature and sharpen his game at senior level.
There is also a clear example from the past that offers encouragement.
William Saliba spent time on loan at Marseille before returning to become a regular starter at Arsenal.
With Longoria already confirming that Nwaneri will return to north London, the focus is on growth rather than transfer talk.
The expectation is that the added experience could lead to a bigger role for him at Arsenal next season.
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