Insight from France 

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When Ethan Nwaneri scored a brilliant curling effort just 13 minutes into his Marseille debut, it appeared that he’d flourish in France and showcase his unquestionably ability. The 18-year-old’s loan spell in the Côte d’Azur, however, has turned into a nightmare and it’s been counterproductive to his development, as it stands. Nwaneri was determined to depart Arsenal on-loan in January to play regularly as his minutes were severely limited at the Premier League champions elect. The versatile attacking midfielder had only started two Premier League games from 20 during the 2025/26 campaign and was frequently an unused substitute, totalling just 165 minutes.

Nwaneri’s place way down the pecking order was further highlighted when he failed to even feature in the League Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace. Numerous clubs wanted to loan the England U21 international in January but both he, and Mikel Arteta, opted for Marseille with Roberto De Zerbi’s presence instrumental. But the fiery Italian’s departure in January has been extremely detrimental for Nwaneri and he now faces an uncertain long-term future at Arsenal, according to the Times. With expert insight from France, we’ve analysed why De Zerbi’s exit isn’t the sole factor behind Nwaneri’s struggles at Marseille and what the future might hold.

Ethan Nwaneri’s struggles at Marseille

It was mutually agreed by all parties that Nwaneri had to depart on loan in January and Marseille was viewed as the perfect destination and it made complete sense. Ligue 1 clubs hand more minutes to youth players than any other major league, the standard of the league is lower than the Premier League, William Saliba’s rise at Marseille and De Zerbi’s track-record of improving youngsters – specifically referenced by Arteta. He said: “The fact that Roberto [De Zerbi] is there and he’s an incredible developer of young talent, and he’s a really courageous manager in the way he plays with young talent as well. He has a big track record of that.”

Nwaneri started the first three games at Marseille under De Zerbi until the ill-fated 5-0 defeat to PSG that sealed the Italian’s departure as manager. Since then, Nwaneri hasn’t started a single game in the French top-flight, accumulating just 47 minutes and being an unused substitute twice. Lucas Hybord, Ligue 1 expert at Transfermarkt explains why: “There’s been chaos in Marseille: in his first month, he had 3 different managers – De Zerbi, Jacques Abardonado and Habib Beye. The latter two haven’t really experimented as the most important thing for Marseille is to get points, So they play big players, experienced players.

Hybord continued: “Nwaneri and Mason Greenwood also tend to step on each other’s toes when they play – they both prefer to cut in from the right onto their left-foot. De Zerbi started Nwaneri over Greenwood in his first game, it worked pretty well but since then, not so much. Ultimately, Greenwood is much more important to Marseille, so he plays ahead of Nwaneri. He also missed a penalty against Toulouse that got Marseille kicked out of the Coupe de France, which was a big goal for the club this season after PSG’s early exit. It’s not his fault to be designated 5th penalty taker but still, Nwaneri carried on the pitch after. Perhaps, Beye is trying to protect him now as he barely plays.”

What does the future hold for Ethan Nwaneri?

It’s unequivocal that it’s turning into a nightmare loan spell for Nwaneri and with hindsight, Arsenal are probably regretting not including a cancellation clause. There’s still ample time for the teenager to turn things around and force his way back into Beye’s plans but it’s looking ominous. It’s brought Nwaneri’s long-term future into question with the Times suggesting that Arsenal are seriously deliberating what to do with him in the summer. As it stands, Nwaneri is highly unlikely to feature regularly next season as Arsenal have a massive squad with numerous options in his two preferred roles; attacking midfield and right-wing.

The favoured option will be to send Nwaneri back on-loan but there’s no guarantee that will be a success with his current spell at Marseille the perfect warning. The Englishman still possesses incredible potential and is only 18 but he’s already made clear that he wants regular football and is unwilling for limited bench minutes. There is a distinct possibility that Arsenal could sanction a permanent sale this summer, with a buy-back clause included as the Gunners need to improve in their ability to generate funds and he represents pure profit – allowing Martin Ødegaard to provide more opportunities. Nwaneri has the potential to become a first-team regular at Arsenal and supporters were raving over him last season but it appears a crossroads is on the horizon this summer.