Arsenal in Ethan Nwaneri transfer U-turn amid new talks over January exit | OneFootball

Gunners open to letting 18-year-old leave on loan amid Marseille talks

Ethan Nwaneri could be on the move in January

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Arsenal are now open to letting Ethan Nwaneri leave on loan this month, as talks take place with Marseille

The 18-year-old has had limited first-team involvement this season, making no starts in the Premier League and playing just 166 minutes.

Arsenal had previously planned to keep Nwaneri at the club this season, with Mikel Arteta keen to have as strong a squad as possible as the Gunners continue to challenge in all four competitions.

But Standard Sport understands that stance has changed and a loan move until the end of the season is now being considered.

Nwaneri has played just 166 minutes in the Premier League this season

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Discussions have taken place between the club and Nwaneri and there is a feeling more regular first-team football would benefit all parties.

Marseille are pushing to sign the teenager for the rest of the season.

The club's style of play under Roberto De Zerbi is an appealing factor for Arsenal as they consider what is best for Nwaneri's development.

A final decision is yet to be made and there remains interest from Premier League clubs too.

Nwaneri remains a key part of the club's long-term plans and any deal would not include a buy option or any sort of agreement for the move to be made permanent.

Nwaneri has not even made the squad for Arsenal's last four league matches and he has not featured in the title push since coming off the bench against Tottenham in November.

He did start against Portsmouth in the FA Cup this month, but then was not included in the squad three days later for the Carabao Cup semi-final with Chelsea.

Upcoming matches at home to the likes of Kairat and Wigan could have offered more opportunities for Nwaneri, but there is now the possibility he is on the move before then.