Why Arsenal Love Idea Of Ethan Nwaneri Playing For Roberto De Zerbi At Marseille
Mikel Arteta has already given his verdict on Roberto De Zerbi.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Updated on 20 January 2026
Arsenal midfielder Ethan Nwaneri could be soon playing under Italian head coach Roberto De Zerbi at Marseille.
Multiple reports from England claim Arsenal and Marseille are in talks over a loan move for the Gunners teenager.
Nwaneri is one of Arsenal’s best young players, but he has struggled for minutes this season, hence a desire for regular game time.
A number of Italian clubs are also keen on Nwaneri, but it looks like their France-based compatriot is in pole position.
Why Roberto De Zerbi appeals to Arsenal and Ethan Nwaneri
David Ornstein has reported that Marseille are working on a deal to sign Ethan Nwaneri on loan from Arsenal for the rest of the season.
This would include a loan fee, but no buy option or obligation, suggesting Arsenal see Nwaneri as a long-term asset.
Ornstein added that Arsenal favour a move to Marseille as they like De Zerbi’s style of coaching.
De Zerbi has held positive talks with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Nwaneri, added Ornstein.
The Italian and his style of play are playing a prominent factor in the Ligue 1 side being favoured by the Gunners.
The race isn’t over yet, however, with English Premier League and European sides also in the picture.
Nwaneri will make a decision soon, added The Athletic’s transfer expert.
Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano claimed a €3m loan fee is being discussed.
🚨💙🤍 Olympique Marseille official bid to Arsenal for Ethan Nwaneri: loan until June, no buy option clause, salary covered.
Loan fee over €3m but based on player’s appearances as Nwaneri wants regular game time.
Arsenal are open to discuss terms with negotiations underway. pic.twitter.com/1DnKsT5PdL
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 20, 2026
De Zerbi and Manchester United were linked together earlier this year after Ruben Amorim’s sacking.
What Mikel Arteta has previously said about Roberto De Zerbi
Mikel Arteta sung Roberto De Zerbi’s praises back in 2023, when the Italian was at Brighton & Hove Albion.
Like Arteta, De Zerbi often shows his passion when celebrating goals on the touchline.
Mikel, speaking to the Arsenal media team, said there’s nothing wrong with this as long as it’s authentic.
“We live the game as we feel it,” he said. “When I was a player, it was very similar.
“Everybody has their own way of being, talking and communicating. I think it’s great. As long as we’re genuine, I think that’s great.
“I know him and have spoken to him a few times about different topics. I’ve followed his career since he was at Sassuolo, before he moved to Ukraine.
“It’s very impressive what he’s done, the way his teams play and what he’s accomplished in the Premier League as well.”
Roberto De Zerbi’s sides ‘very efficient’ and ‘very specific’
On the subject of Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton side, Mikel Arteta said: “They are a really good side.
“Last year when we had the game under control was when we conceded a goal.
“And then the game completely broke up and we struggled, especially in the last 15 minutes of the game.
“So we have to play better and be very efficient, which is key against them.
“They are really good – they have really good players and their way of playing is very specific and causes you problems.
“They were very efficient. Efficiency in football is key and on that day, they were more efficient than us.”
In other Arsenal news, the Gunners like Federico Dimarco of Inter.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Giuseppe Labellarte is a sports journalist with over a decade of professional experience in the industry. His main professional expertise is in soccer. Prior to joining FootItalia, he worked for the likes of Sports Mole, TBR Football, the Chelsea Chronicle and numerous other sites, along with having bylines in the likes of the Nottingham Post. He holds degrees in Journalism and International Relations.
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