English-born Nigerian youngster Ethan Nwaneri has accepted a loan move to French Ligue 1 club Olympique Marseille, with negotiations between all parties now at an advanced stage.
The highly rated Arsenal prospect is expected to join Marseille on a straight loan deal until June as he seeks regular first-team football.
The proposed agreement will not include a buy option, reflecting Arsenal’s intention to retain the midfielder as part of their long-term plans.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is understood to have held discussions with Marseille head coach Roberto De Zerbi, with both clubs agreeing that the move offers an ideal platform for Nwaneri’s development.
Marseille’s playing style and the competitive nature of Ligue 1 are believed to have played a key role in the decision.
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Sources close to the deal say Marseille will pay a loan fee in the region of €3–4 million, with the final figure structured flexibly and tied to the player’s game time.
Talks are ongoing, and full agreement on the remaining details is expected later this week.
Nwaneri is said to be ready for the move, which has also received the approval of his family, clearing the way for an official announcement.