Ethan Nwaneri has endured several setbacks since joining Marseille on loan from Arsenal during the January transfer window
Ethan Nwaneri has endured a difficult start to life on loan at Marseille(Image: Marseille)
When news filtered through on Tuesday evening that Marseille were parting company with Roberto De Zerbi – you could not help but think of a certain Ethan Nwaneri.
The 18-year-old gem made the brave decision to move on loan to France during the January transfer window, snubbing a wealth of Premier League clubs in the process.
They key motive behind Arsenal and Nwaneri’s decision? De Zerbi. Mikel Arteta is a huge admirer of the Italian and he believes there are clear similarities where their footballing principles are concerned.
It’s precisely why Arteta felt this was a rare opportunity for the teenager; a chance to sharpen his tools while learning from one of the game’s most exciting and demanding managers.
The problem is, outside of Nwaneri’s dream debut against Lens when he netted after just 13 minutes, it’s been a rough ride at the Stade Velodrome.
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During the attacking midfielder’s first full week at the club, he travelled with the Marseille squad to Bruges even though he wasn’t available to feature in the Champions League.
OM then lost the match 3-0 against Club Brugge and were dumped out of Europe following Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin’s stunning last-minute heroics versus Real Madrid.
A big part of Marseille’s pitch was that Nwaneri would get the chance to feature in the Champions League but that quickly evaporated and OM then headed straight to Clairefontaine for a mini training camp that was dominated by talk that De Zerbi could quit the club.
The Italian was supposedly ill and did not take training but he did later commit his future to the club following clear-the-air talks, while also insisting he could stay for “six years.
Of course, at the time, his commitment was music to the ears of Nwaneri, who needed stability.
Ethan Nwaneri joined Marseille on loan from Arsenal last month(Image: Xavier Laine, Getty Images)
In the background of all this, Mikel Merino had picked up a foot injury that required surgery and the England U21 international could have been forgiven for wondering whether he should have stayed put at the Emirates.
Nwaneri did not deem a loan essential this winter and only joined Marseille because it felt like a very rare opening and opportunity.
Following a damaging 5-0 defeat to PSG in Le Classique, OM finally dismissed De Zerbi, creating more disruption for Nwaneri.
On the plus side, whatever happens, he will definitely return to Arsenal at the end of the season and that should be the focus for the youngster.
He must now seek to maximise his experience in the south of France and squeeze everything out of the venture to ensure he returns to north London a better player and person.
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