Arsenal sensation Ethan Nwaneri may not be the only player to depart the Emirates Stadium this month, with one big club now hatching a fresh plan to sign another of Mikel Arteta's crop.
The Gunners have finalised a deal to send Nwaneri to Marseille on loan until the end of the season after successful talks.
Arteta's side initially showed reluctance about allowing the teenager to depart while competing in multiple competitions, but now believe his development would benefit from consistent playing opportunities elsewhere for the time being (ESPN).
The agreement includes a substantial loan fee potentially reaching £3 million depending on appearances, with Marseille covering Nwaneri's wages in full throughout the temporary spell (GOAL).
Notably, the structure features a clause reducing the overall fee based on how frequently the midfielder features for Roberto De Zerbi's side during his time in Ligue 1.
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Multiple Premier League clubs, including Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and West Ham, expressed interest in securing Nwaneri's services, but Marseille reportedly emerged victorious due to De Zerbi's coaching philosophy and playing style.
De Zerbi's approach was considered particularly suitable for the England Under-21 international's continued progression (ESPN), with direct discussions between the Italian manager and Arteta outlining specific plans for the youngster in France.
Nwaneri's opportunities have dried up dramatically this season following Arsenal's summer additions.
The arrivals of Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze significantly increased competition for attacking positions, particularly with Bukayo Saka long cementing his status as first choice on the right wing.
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The 18-year-old has managed just 12 appearances across all competitions this campaign, starting only four matches with none coming in the Premier League.
Alongside Nwaneri, left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko is poised to leave Arsenal once again with his Nottingham Forest loan being terminated.
The Ukraine international was apparently on the verge of a straight loan move to Ajax, but according to reliable journalist Ben Jacobs, the Eredivisie heavyweights have had a change of heart.
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Taking to X today, Jacobs reports that Ajax are now planning to sign him permanently for a small fee as well, with 'all parties confident' they can strike a revised deal before deadline day.
The former Man City star, who Arteta called a 'perfectionist' whilst hailing his attitude, struggled on loan at Forest — making just 10 appearances in all competitions while struggling with injury.
Zinchenko, who LBC claim is on £150,000-per-week at the Emirates, has no route back into the Arsenal side with Riccardo Calafiori, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Piero Hincapie all ahead of him in the pecking order.
A new chapter abroad seems like the best option for all parties, and a more permanent arrangement is desirable considering Zinchenko has played his last game for the north Londoners.
One major stumbling block will surely be Zinchenko's salary, with the 29-year-old most likely having to take a pay cut.
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The Gunners are looking to sign a new defender.