A look at how Arsenal's loan army got on over the past week with updates on Ethan Nwaneri, Fabio Vieira, Jakub Kiwior and more!
12:00, 10 Feb 2026
Ethan Nwaneri in action for Marseille against Paris Saint-Germain
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Ethan Nwaneri in action for Marseille against Paris Saint-Germain (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)
It has been an interesting week for Arsenal's loan army, with some players faring much better than others.
Jakub Kiwior has been a rock at the heart of defence for Porto this season and is a major reason why the Portuguese giants are top of Liga Portugal. The 25-year-old is yet to be on the losing side in the league this season (he was rested for last Monday's 2-1 defeat to Casa Pia) and has been part of a defence which has conceded just seven times in the league.
The Polish international limped off against arch-rivals Sporting on Monday night, however, after appearing to pick up a hamstring injury. The former Spezia man was taken off with 63 minutes on the clock and now Francesco Farioli faces an anxious wait to see if the injury will be long-term. The game finished 1-1 and leaves Porto four points clear at the top.
Hale Ender Ethan Nwaneri endured a mixed week with Marseille. The 18-year-old helped the Ligue 1 side reach the Coupe de France quarter-finals on Tuesday night as Roberto De Zerbi's side overcame Rennes 3-0.
It was more of a negative result on Sunday, however, as Marseille were thrashed 5-0 by PSG. Nwaneri started the match at the Parc des Princes but was withdrawn at the break with the scoreline 2-0.
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Jakub Kiwior
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PORTO, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 9: Jakub Kiwior of FC Porto controls the ball during the Primeira Liga match between FC Porto and Sporting CP at Estadio do Dragao on February 9, 2026 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Pedro Loureiro/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Asked why he started with a five-man defence and why he substituted Nwaneri off at half-time, De Zerbi said: "We have to remember that we played like that at the Velodrome to win, and the same way when we were leading in the Champions Trophy. For me, that’s not the important point. When we played with a back four in the second half, we were under even more pressure. Nwaneri wasn’t at his best, and the team wasn’t helping him. He’s young; we have to protect him."
Fabio Vieira is enjoying his loan spell with Hamburg in Germany and followed up his goal against Bayern Munich with an assist against Heidenheim on Saturday. The 25-year-old laid on a perfect assist for Rayan Philippe and played 80 minutes in a 2-0 away win.
It means the Gunners loanee now has two goals and five assists in 17 appearances for Hamburg. The German side do have the option to make the move permanent this summer, football.london understands, although Vieira spoke this week of his desire to return to boyhood club Porto.
"It's the club I will always love. Porto is my club. I'm always open to a return to Porto.” he told DAZN.
Elsewhere among Arsenal's loan army, Reiss Nelson was an unused substitute as Brentford beat Newcastle 3-2 at St James' Park. The 26-year-old has made only nine appearances this season and will not make a tenth against Arsenal on Thursday due to being ineligible to play against his parent club.
Karl Hein also finds himself out of the team at present as he sat on the bench during Werder Bremen's 1-0 defeat Freiburg in the Bundesliga on Saturday. The young goalkeeper has featured just twice this season and is essentially the club's No.2, behind Mio Backhaus.
Fabio Vieira has impressed on loan at Hamburg
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Fabio Vieira has impressed on loan at Hamburg (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Moving to the English Football League and Ismeal Kabia started for Shrewsbury Town in their League Two clash against Colchester United on Saturday. The 20-year-old has hade a decent season so far, however, as he has clocked up more than 2,400 minutes, contributing three goals and three assists.
After a bright start to life at Crawley Town for midfielder Louie Copley, the 19-year-old has missed the Reds' last three matches due to a knock. Scott Lindsey will be hoping the youngster is fit to face Cambridge United at Broadfield Stadium on Tuesday night or back for the clash at Tranmere at the weekend after seeing his side lose 1-0 at home to Crewe Alexandra on Saturday.
"Louis Copley is telling me he's ready to play, but he's not really ready," Lindsey said ahead of the match against Crewe. "Arsenal have said not yet. He needs to go through the process of ticking everything off, but he's keen to get back out there.
"He's a great kid and wants to play, and I thought he did magnificently well in the two games that he played. It's unfortunate for him, but he's just got to sit it out for now, and hopefully it won't be too long. I would think probably by next weekend he'll be back fit.”
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Finally, it was a day to remember for Will Sweet, who made his debut for Dagenham & Redbridge in their 4-2 win over Chippenham Town. The 19-year-old, who joined the Gunners academy in May 2015 and went on to sign his first professional contract in July 2025, was introduced with 14 minutes remaining to help the National League South see out the win.
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