Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri gamble could still bring unexpected payoff

Arsenal may get the chance to pocket a significant windfall from out of their impressive young stars this season despite a disappointing loan spell.

Ethan Nwaneri is the player in line for a potential move, with the versatile youngster having struggled to get to grips with life in Marseille since joining the French club on loan back in January.

Ethan Nwaneri could get lifeline

The 19-year-old has made nine Ligue 1 appearances so far since the winter window, and only three of those have come in the way of starts.

It has been an extremely tough time for Nwaneri, who will have gone to France hoping to prove himself to Mikel Arteta. The opposite has happened, and oddly, Nwaneri's stock has fallen much more since being in Ligue 1 compared to when he was a valued - albeit squad - player at Arsenal.

But all is not lost for Nwaneri, or Arsenal. It's not yet clear what the Gunners see as far as Nwaneri's future is concerned. He is still only 19, and the youngster has certainly shown potential by proving he can do a job for a title-competing team even at a young age.

But there is an extremely high level of competition at the Emirates Stadium, and if the right offer comes in, Arsenal may be better off taking the money and putting towards a player who is ready to compete for a starting role.

Borussia Dortmund might offer Arsenal that opportunity this summer, or at least according to Sky Sports Germany. They say Borussia Dortmund remain interested in Nwaneri having missed out last time around.

In fact, sporting director Ole Book is said to have been in touch over a potential deal this summer, keen to get the long-term target in before next season. It's reported Dortmund are 'working intensly' to get the deal over the line, although it's unclear what Arsenal's stance is.

Dortmund have a track record of developing and getting the best out of young players, and so the move could excite Nwaneri. Although, as far as Arsenal are concerned, they don't want to be left looking foolish if Nwaneri goes on to become a star.

A middle ground may be found in the form of a sell-on clause, but what is pretty clear is that Nwaneri won't be a regular next season, and so the decision will likely come down to a sale or a loan.

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