Ethan Nwaneri might have made a January move to Everton, but the Toffees may not have any regrets amid new claims about his mindset.
It was a quiet January for Everton, who only brought in Tyrique George from Chelsea.
But before landing George, who joined late on deadline day, Everton were strongly linked with Ethan Nwaneri.
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Ivan Toney of Al Ahli celebrates after scoring the 2nd goal during the Saudi Pro League match between Al Ahli and Al Nassr
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He had struggled for regular minutes at Arsenal, who therefore decided that he should be loaned out for the second half of the current campaign.
But while the Gunners would have been hoping for a successful spell for Nwaneri, that has not been the case so far.
And Everton may now be slightly relieved they didn’t sign the teenager.
Everton may be glad they didn’t sign Ethan Nwaneri amid new criticism
Ethan Nwaneri ahead of playing for England U21s.
Photo by Stephen Pond – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Nwaneri is a player with huge potential.
It was little surprise to see Arsenal loan him out in the mid-season window, because he needs minutes to help his exciting development.
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Everton were keen. But in the end, Nwaneri headed to Marseille.
But after a bright start and after a change of manager, the Enfield-born attacker has started to struggle for minutes – and has been questioned over his mindset and demeanour.
L’Equipe, one of France’s biggest publications, has suggested that Nwaneri has given a ‘persistent impression of nonchalance’ during his time with them on loan so far. They say he will return to Arsenal after his loan spell.
Nwaneri has not started a single game yet for Marseille, and this is despite the French club apparently having a deal with Arsenal that sees them pay less to the Gunners the more Nwaneri plays.
So clearly something isn’t quite right for manager Habib Beye, who replaced Roberto De Zerbi in February.
There is nothing particularly wrong with nonchalance per se, but perhaps too much of it isn’t great. Especially when there are high stakes.
Ethan Nwaneri at Marseille so far
Appearances – 10
Starts – 0
Minutes played – 381
Goals – 2
Assists – 1
Seemingly, this is a key reason why Nwaneri hasn’t been playing for Marseille, so that is enough to suggest it’s an issue.
And so it’s probably a bit of a relief that Everton didn’t bring him in back in January.
With Everton pushing for European football, David Moyes likely doesn’t want levels of nonchalance to be too high.
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