Arsenal are set to receive a financial boost as Ethan Nwaneri's difficult loan spell at Marseille continues. The 19-year-old was an unused substitute for the second time in three Ligue 1 matches as Marseille drew 1-1 at home with Nice on Sunday.
Nwaneri's Decline Under Beye
Since Habib Beye replaced Roberto De Zerbi as Marseille manager in February, Nwaneri has fallen out of favour. Under De Zerbi, he started three consecutive league matches, but he has not started a league game under Beye. The manager has preferred Mason Greenwood and Timothy Weah on the right wing, leaving Nwaneri with just 152 minutes of league action from the substitutes' bench since Beye took charge.
Nwaneri has managed one goal and one assist in that time, and also missed a crucial penalty that knocked Marseille out of the Coupe de France. According to L'Equipe, the youngster has shown a "persistent impression of nonchalance" that has concerned the club's hierarchy.
Financial Implications for Arsenal
However, this situation is not entirely negative for Arsenal. A clause in Nwaneri's loan contract means that the loan fee Marseille pays decreases the more game time he receives. Therefore, the fewer minutes he plays, the more money Arsenal will receive. Marseille initially paid £1.3 million to loan Nwaneri for the second half of the 2025/26 season, with the fee potentially rising to £3.5 million depending on appearances. Given his recent lack of playing time, Marseille are likely to pay close to the maximum amount.
Marseille's Struggles
The draw with Nice leaves Marseille in sixth place in Ligue 1, heading towards the Conference League play-offs. This is a significant drop from their fourth-place position when De Zerbi was dismissed in February, when they were competing for a Champions League spot. Arsenal supporters may question whether Beye is overlooking a talented player who could help Marseille's ambitions.
Nwaneri's loan spell began promisingly with a goal on his debut, but he has rapidly slipped down the pecking order. The contrasting views of De Zerbi and Beye have stunted his progress in just a matter of weeks. Arsenal fans will be pleased to welcome him back this summer after a frustrating stint abroad.
