Arsenal approve transfer as player flies in for medical | Football | Sport

Ethan Nwaneri has been permitted to travel to France after Arsenal approved his move to Marseille. The midfielder will complete medical examinations and, should everything go smoothly, will join the French club on loan until the end of the season. Nwaneri shone for the Gunners during a breakthrough campaign last year, finding the net nine times across all competitions. However, he has struggled to secure regular playing time so far this term.

The youngster has yet to start a Premier League fixture this season, accumulating just 165 minutes in the competition to date. His temporary switch to Marseille will not feature an option for the French club to buy the player permanently, with the loan fee contingent upon the amount of playing time he receives at the Ligue 1 giants. Following Arsenal‘s 3-1 victory, where Nwaneri remained an unused substitute, manager Mikel Arteta commented: “We certainly have to assess the situation.

“Obviously, Ethan is not playing the minutes that he deserves and needs at his age. We’re going to sit down this week and address the situation and give everybody’s opinion.

“At the end, we’ll make the decision that we believe is the best one for the player, because we have a massive talent there and we need to look after it.”

Nwaneri signed a five-year contract to stay at the Emirates last summer, and upon putting pen to paper, he stated: “It means everything to me, I’m so happy to have got it done. This is where I feel at home, and where I’m going to develop the best. I’m ready.

“I’m very excited. I see this as my first real season and part of a proper squad in the changing room. I’m so excited for what I can bring to the team and how I can help the team.

“I’ve had to adapt to the demands of the Premier League, so I think I’ve changed physically, but also mentally as well in terms of dealing with setbacks and injuries.

“I think I’ve definitely become stronger. I think I’ve actually become more direct over the past few years and I’ve added more goals, so I’m excited for what will come next.”