Roberto De Zerbi 'confirms' double deal and hints at debut for Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri

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Evening Standard

·22 January 2026

Roberto De Zerbi 'confirms' double deal and hints at debut for Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri

Nwaneri is set to be joined in France by Quinten Timber, brother of Arsenal team-mate Jurrien

Roberto De Zerbi has suggested Ethan Nwaneri will go straight into the Marseille squad for this weekend’s game against Lens.

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The Arsenal youngster is set to join the Ligue 1 outfit on loan for the remainder of the season after struggling for regular first team minutes since the arrivals of Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke last summer.

An announcement is believed to be imminent, with the 18-year-old spotted in France on Wednesday ahead of Marseille’s Champions League showdown at home to Liverpool.

Nwaneri will be joined at the Orange Velodrome by Quinten Timber, the brother of Arsenal team-mate Jurrien and De Zerbi has effectively ‘confirmed’ the double deal is done after revealing both players could make their debuts on Saturday.

“As far as Timber and Nwaneri, they are two strong players and I’m really happy to have them in the squad,” the Marseille boss told reporters.

“They could be ready as early as Saturday.

I’m really happy to have them in the squad

Roberto De Zerbi

“These are two quality players, for sure. Timber also has experience and Nwaneri has talent, he is a very high potential player.”

Nwaneri, himself, has revealed his excitement at playing for De Zerbi and the role William Saliba played in convincing him that Marseille is the right place for his development.

"William Saliba told me that Marseille is one of the best clubs in the world,” Nwaneri told reporters in France.

“Roberto De Zerbi is one of the best coaches in the world, he’s demanding. I’m ready to play under him and listen to what he wants for the team.”