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Ethan Nwaneri joined Marseille on loan from Arsenal earlier in the winter window but the goalposts have moved since the deal was sanctioned
13:01, 02 Feb 2026
Ethan Nwaneri #11 of Olympique de Marseille looks on during the Ligue 1 McDonald's match between Paris FC and Olympique de Marseille at Stade Jean Bouin on January 31, 2026 in Paris, France.
Ethan Nwaneri left Arsenal in January to join Marseille on loan(Image: Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images)
Ethan Nwaneri loan deal explained as Arsenal recall options amid Mikel Merino injury
Loan deal: Ethan Nwaneri joined Marseille last month until the end of the season. While the move was designed to give the 18-year-old consistent minutes under Roberto De Zerbi, there's uncertainty surrounding his future and fresh concerns about Arsenal's squad depth.
Can Ethan Nwaneri be recalled?: Multiple reports confirm that Arsenal did not negotiate a break clause or recall option in the deal. This is likely due to the short period of time that Nwaneri will be at Marseille, with recall clauses rarely included in temporary deals like this.
Is there a buy option?: To the relief of many fans, there is no option or obligation for Marseille to buy him. Nwaneri is on a straight loan to the French side to develop his game.
Reason for squad depth fears: Mikel Merino sustained a fractured foot during his team's 3-2 loss to Manchester United last weekend and has undergone surgery. Mikel Arteta confirmed the Spaniard will be out for a long period of time but aims to return before the end of the season, while Bukayo Saka was also forced off during the warm-up before Saturday's 4-0 victory at Leeds.
Other options: Since Nwaneri is staying in France, Arsenal would be forced into the market for an emergency deadline-day signing if they wish to bolster their ranks. In November 2025, The Telegraph reported that the north London outfit were keen on Elche's Rodrigo Mendoza as his contract expires in the summer.
Sensational new link:Sky Germany reported that Arteta was exploring a shock deadline day move for Newcastle's Sandro Tonali. It's understood that the Magpies have slapped a £100million price tag on the Italian and aren't planning on letting the 25-year-old depart to a direct rival.
READ MORE ABOUT ARSENAL'S CURRENT STATE OF AFFAIRS HERE: Arsenal swoop for international striker as 'discussions' started on transfer deadline day
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