Ethan Nwaneri has enjoyed a dream start to life on loan with Marseille and Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has now shared his verdict on Mikel Arteta allowing him to leave
Martin Odegaard
Martin Odegaard has sent a word of advice to Ethan Nwaneri(Image: Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Martin Odegaard believes Ethan Nwaneri will return from his loan spell at Marseille as a better player. The Arsenal starlet was allowed to join the French side on a temporary deal earlier this month after seeing opportunities limited at the Emirates Stadium.
He has already enjoyed a bright start to life with his new club, having scored on his debut against Lens. Having experienced a number of loans during the early part of his career, Arsenal captain Odegaard says he can sympathise with Nwaneri but believes the loan will only benefit both him and the Gunners.
Writing in his programme notes ahead of Wednesday evening’s Champions League clash with Kairat, the Norwegian said: “Finally I wanted to mention Ethan Nwaneri, and to wish him luck with his loan spell at Marseille – it certainly started well with his goal at the weekend! I went on loan a few times when I was a young player and so I spoke with Ethan before he left about it.
“We spoke about what he was feeling about his situation and the opportunity, and I understand it - I’ve been there too. Obviously you always want to play more, so this will be a good move for him.
“I'm sure he's going to do well there and hopefully get a lot of opportunities to show his qualities and his talent. He'll be absolutely fine and come back here stronger from it, so it should be good for everyone.
“At that stage of your career, you need to play games to grow even more and it’s a chance for him to take more responsibility and to grow as a player, and as a person.
“Also it's a different country, different language and a lot of things that come with living away - so many players, including me, have benefitted from good loan moves, and I'm sure it's going to be a good experience for him and that he's going to learn a lot from that. We're looking forward to seeing how he's going to do there.”
Ethan Nwaneri
Ethan Nwaneri has enjoyed a stunning start to life with Marseille(Image: Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Nwaneri will be back in action for Marseille in midweek as the French side take on Club Brugge in the Champions League. Speaking ahead of that game, club president Pablo Longoria has already ruled out signing the midfielder permanently.
He said: “Let’s say a very clear thing – an option to buy is unrealistic. He’s one of the main assets for the future of Arsenal.
“The value for us is his talent and his sporting performances. For Arsenal, it’s contributing to the gameplay, and for the player, a step in growing up and being coached by Roberto (De Zerbi).”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us, and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read ourPrivacy Notice.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
Content Image