Mikel Arteta will be pained by Ethan Nwaneri’s drop in minutes at Marseille, although the Arsenal youngster’s absence from action does have its benefits
Marseille are due to pay Arsenal even more after Ethan Nwaneri was once again left out of their plans on Sunday. The 19-year-old failed to make it off the bench for the second time in three Ligue 1 fixtures as Les Olympiens drew 1-1 at home to Nice.
One would think former Newcastle defender Beye, who replaced Robert De Zerbi at the Stade Velodrome in February, would be keen on the help. However, he doesn’t appear inclined to make use of Nwaneri’s abilities like his predecessor was.
Having started three times in as many league outings under De Zerbi, Nwaneri hasn’t been named in a stating league line-up since Beye took over. And the coach may regret his decision after Elye Wahi’s late equaliser severely dented Marseille’s Champions League hopes.
It’s not all bad for Arsenal, who are owed more money from Marseille the less their player features. L’Equipe reported earlier this month that a clause in the winger’s contract stipulates his loan fee will be smaller the more minutes he plays.
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De Zerbi, who is now manager of Tottenham, deployed Nwaneri as his preferred right-wing option while he was at Marseille. However, Beye has leaned more on Mason Greenwood and United States international Timothy Weah for that role.
It’s left Nwaneri largely out in the cold, having played just 152 minutes of league football since the ex-Senegal right-back took charge, all of which have come from the bench. He’s contributed one goal and one assist in that span, as well as missing the penalty that sent Marseille out of the Coupe de France.
According to L’Equipe, the prospect has displayed a “persistent impression of nonchalance” that has unsettled the higher-ups at his current club. At the very least, however, it means the Gunners will be due more cash come the end of the season.
Marseille’s draw at home to Nice on Sunday has left them sixth in Ligue 1 and on course to qualify for the Conference League play-offs. That’s compared to their fourth-place standing when De Zerbi was fired in February when they were in strong contention for a Champions League place.
Arsenal fans will wonder whether Beye is overlooking a star talent who could play a big hand in aiding those efforts. Nwaneri started his loan spell in promising fashion after scoring on debut but has quickly fallen down the ranks.
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It was reported Marseille paid an initial £1.3million to loan Nwaneri for the second half of the 2025/26 campaign. This could then rise to £3.5m based on appearances and recent activity (or lack thereof) suggests the French outfit will be billed close to that full amount.
A clear difference of opinion between De Zerbi and Beye has curtailed the Arsenal prospect’s development in a matter of weeks. And it means Arsenal fans will be even more glad to have their asset back this summer in what’s turned into a disappointing (but potentially lucrative) foray abroad.
