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Top of the Premier League and Champions League, still in both domestic cup competitions too, the January transfer window could hardly be much quieter at Arsenal when it comes to arrivals. However, one rather significant departure has been confirmed this week ,and it has got supporters talking.
On Wednesday, it was confirmed that Ethan Nwaneri had joined Marseille on loan for the remainder of the season, with no option or obligation to buy. Earlier in the window, amid interest from Bournemouth and others, it seemed as though the 18-year-old would not be on the move this month.
However, a deal with OM appears to have accelerated fast, with reports suggesting les Phocéens will pay a lower loan fee the more the youngster plays.
Last season, Nwaneri scored nine times across all competitions, seeing 1,378 minutes of action, partially due to the Gunners attacking injury crisis. Only Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney have scored as many goals while representing a Premier League club before their 18th birthdays; those two were pretty good, weren't they?
This time around, with Ødegaard in magical form and Eberechi Eze having arrived, Nwaneri has accumulated just 515 minutes thus far, not starting a single Premier League match. Speaking during his post-match press conference at San Siro following Tuesday's 3-1 win over Inter, Mikel Arteta said that Nwaneri has not been getting the minutes he "deserves and needs", hoping that changes in the French Riviera. So, will this move be the right one for Nwaneri's development?
How are Marseille doing this season?
Marseille are currently third in Ligue 1, seven points adrift of serial champions Paris Saint-Germain and eight points below surprise leaders Lens. Les Olympiens welcome the league leaders to Stade Vélodrome in a huge game on Saturday night.
Back in September, OM beat fierce rivals PSG 1-0 at home, their first home league Classique victory since 2011. While the league title looks a long shot, Marseille could land major silverware for the first time since 2012 via the Coupe de France. They will host Rennes in the round of 16 in a competition blown wide-open thanks to PSG's shock defeat at the hands of Paris FC earlier this month.
Could Arsenal face Marseille?
Yes, Nwaneri could return to North London in OM colours. Marseille are currently on course to reach the Champions League knockout stages, ahead of their matchday eight clash in Brugge. This would be their first knockout appearance in the tournament since 2012, the same season they faced Arsenal in the group stages.
Who is Nwaneri's competition for minutes?
Manager Roberto De Zerbi, formerly of Brighton, regularly switches between a 3-4-3 and a 4-2-3-1 formation. Former Gunner Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is most commonly deployed as the centre-forward, although Amine Gouiri has started the last two matches.
Behind, they have an array of options with whom Nwaneri will be vying for minutes. The controversial figure that is Mason Greenwood has 20 goals to his name this season, to add to the 22 he bagged during the previous campaign. Tim Weah, Igor Paixão and Hamed Traoré are also regulars either out-wide or as the number ten, so Nwaneri is far from guaranteed a starting spot.
What else should Nwaneri expect from Marseille?
First and foremost, OM fans are among the most passionate in world football. This sometimes has negative ramifications; the Choc des Olympiques against Lyon two seasons ago was postponed after the visitors' bus was attacked.
However, Stade Vélodrome is always rocking on a big night and, if Nwaneri is able to make a big impact, he could instantaneously become a hero in the eyes of millions.
Will Nwaneri's move to Marseille be a success?
Having been at Arsenal since the age of eight, moving to the south of France may be quite the culture shock for Nwaneri, certainly coming out of his comfort zone.
De Zerbi's style of football should suit him; high intensity, high energy and full throttle. The 18-year-old's short sojourn to Marseille is likely to be life-changing and eye-opening, and appears set to be all or nothing, either a major success or something of a waste of time for all involved. It's hard to forecast which.