Olympique de Marseille v Liverpool FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 - Source: Getty
Olympique de Marseille v Liverpool FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 - Source: Getty
Marseille manager Roberto de Zerbi has named Arsenal duo Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze as players he would like to coach in his career. He added Liverpool's Florian Wirtz and Bayern Munich's Michael Olise to the list of others he wants to work with.
Speaking to the media, De Zerbi said that he likes Ethan Nwaneri, a player he has loaned in from the Gunners. He went on to name Odegaard, Olise, Eze, and Wirtz, hinting that the youngster was on the same level as them and said (via HITC):
"A player I really like a lot… Odegaard from Arsenal, who's a number 10. Olise, the one you mentioned earlier. Yes, I really like the one from Liverpool, Wirtz. Oh, and Eze, he's also from Arsenal. Another strong player."
De Zerbi has hinted that Nwaneri, along with new signing Quinten Timber, will be in the squad this weekend when Marseille take on Lens in Ligue 1. He said (via GOAL):
"As far as Timber and Nwaneri, they are two strong players, and I'm really happy to have them in the squad. They could be ready as early as Saturday. These are two quality players, for sure. Timber also has experience and Nwaneri has talent, he is a very high potential player."
Nwaneri could not break into the Arsenal side this season, as Mikel Arteta's men are fighting for the Premier League and UEFA Champions League titles. He has played 166 minutes in the Premier League, and another 101 minutes in the UEFA Champions League this season.
Ethan Nwaneri spoke to Arsenal stat before making the loan switch to Marseille
Ethan Nwaneri has told the media that he spoke to William Saliba before making the move to Marseille. He said that the French defender hailed the club as one of the best in the world.
The teenager went on to say that he was excited to work with Roberto de Zerbi, who he believes is one of the best coaches in the world. He said:
"William Saliba told me that Marseille is one of the best clubs in the world. Roberto De Zerbi is one of the best coaches in the world, he's demanding. I'm ready to play under him and listen to what he wants for the team."
Nwaneri is the fourth Arsenal player to join Marseille since Mikel Arteta became the manager. William Saliba, Matteo Guendouzi, and Nuno Tavares moved to the Ligue 1 side from the Gunners in recent seasons.