Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes it was the “best decision” to send Ethan Nwaneri on loan to Marseille during the January transfer window, despite him facing a couple of injuries since the move.
The winger joined Marseille for the remainder of the season to gain more playing time. He has already made four starts for the team, matching the total number of appearances he had with Arsenal in the first half of the season.
Arsenal has been affected by injuries to key players, with Mikel Merino and Kai Havertz joining Max Dowman on the sidelines. Merino is expected to miss several months after foot surgery, while Havertz picked up a muscular injury shortly after returning from a long-term layoff.
There was no recall option in Nwaneri’s loan agreement with Marseille, meaning he cannot return to help cover for the injured players. Ahead of the FA Cup match against Wigan Athletic on Sunday, Arteta maintained that sending him out on loan was the right choice.
Arsenal stand by decision on Ethan Nwaneri loan
When asked if sending Nwaneri on loan was a mistake, Arteta responded: “It’s easy to say that now. Who could have predicted that Mikel would be out for five months and Kai too?”
“It’s unfortunate; we have to make decisions based on the situation. For the best interest of the club and for Ethan, going to a different environment to gain minutes was beneficial for him.”
Another worry for Arsenal is the recent firing of Roberto De Zerbi, who was a key factor in Nwaneri’s transfer decision.
Arteta commented: “That’s something I can’t control. Part of being on loan is dealing with different coaches, and that can happen at any time. One reason for his move was Roberto, but Marseille as a club offers a valuable experience for Ethan, which I believe will still be very positive.”
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