Ethan Nwaneri’s loan deal from Arsenal to Marseille threatens to turn into ‘a waste of time and a real nightmare’.
That’s according to Foot Mercato, who cover the 18-year-old today. According to the French outlet, the Arsenal youngster has work on to prove his move to France was worth it. At this point, there’s no evidence that it was.
Nwaneri joined Marseille on loan from Arsenal on January 23rd seeking to secure more first-team minutes. He had found opportunities at Arsenal limited this season as they chase the Premier League title.
The loan was initially sanctioned due to Arsenal’s trust in Roberto De Zerbi, but he left the French club shortly after Nwaneri’s arrival.
De Zerbi convinced Arsenal
That was the first negative point of what has been a disastrous loan move so far. Foot Mercato report that his adventure has turned into a ‘nightmare’.
The website explains that Nwaneri didn’t think the situation would be so difficult, particularly given everything started so positively. He showcase his talent in the 3-1 win over Lens, and everything seemed bright.
Since then, he has ‘suffered from the crisis’ that has engulfed the club. A series of lacklustre performances have followed. De Zerbi also departed, a major blow as the Italian had ‘pushed to bring him in’ during the January transfer window.
Things have not improved under his replacement, Habib Beye. Last night saw another unconvincing performance in defeat to Toulouse. That game finished with him sending the ball into the stands to lose the penalty shootout. He was later seen ‘bursting into tears’.
While Beye backed him publicly, much of the disappointment was Nwaneri’s to bear. It was certainly another low point in a miserable loan spell.
Analysis: Youngster has to react
Ethan Nwaneri
Now, with only 10 games left in Ligue 1, the Arsenal loanee has to react quickly. If he doesn’t, Foot Mercato say his loan deal risks turning into ‘a waste of time and a real nightmare’.
And it’s certainly hard to disagree with that notion. At 19-years-old, Nwaneri needs to be playing regularly, finding confidence and setting himself up for the future. None of those things are happening in Marseille.
While it was brave for him to move to France, choosing that particular team now looks foolhardy. Barely a week goes by in which Marseille are not involved in some form of drama.
Now Nwaneri has been caught up in it, and both he and Arsenal may regret sanctioning this six month exit as a result.