Former Arsenal striker Jeremie Aliadiere has voiced his strong disapproval of the club's decision to allow teenage prodigy Ethan Nwaneri to depart on loan during the January transfer window, labelling it a significant misstep.
Aliadiere's Disappointment Over Nwaneri Departure
In an interview with The Sun, Aliadiere did not mince words, stating he was 'disappointed to see him go' and firmly believes Nwaneri possesses a rare attacking flair that the current Arsenal lineup is sorely missing. 'What he's got is something that we haven't got,' Aliadiere emphasised, highlighting the 18-year-old's direct style, pace, and ability to take on multiple defenders.
The Rise and Temporary Exit of a Wonderkid
Ethan Nwaneri, widely hailed as one of English football's most exciting young talents, made history by breaking into Arsenal's first-team at just 15 years old in 2022. However, despite his potential, the first half of the current campaign saw him struggle for regular playing time under manager Mikel Arteta, failing to secure a single Premier League start.
Arsenal's hierarchy initially resisted loan approaches from domestic admirers like West Ham and Bournemouth. Their stance shifted, however, when French giants Marseille expressed serious interest in a temporary deal for the England Under-21 international. Negotiations moved swiftly, culminating in Nwaneri's cross-Channel move last week.
An Instant Impact in France
Demonstrating his undeniable talent, Nwaneri enjoyed a dream debut for Marseille just three days after arriving. He scored a spectacular solo goal, doubling his new team's lead in an impressive 3-1 victory over Lens, immediately justifying the faith placed in him.
Why Ligue 1 Could Be the Perfect Fit
Aliadiere, who has firsthand experience of French football from his time at Lorient, is convinced the loan move is ideal for Nwaneri's development. 'I would have told him exactly what he has done,' he said, advocating for a loan to a top foreign club. He added, 'I do feel that Ligue 1 will probably suit him better and it will be a massive success there. I have got no doubt about it.'
Broader Concerns for Arsenal's Youth
Aliadiere extended his critique to another highly-rated academy graduate, Myles Lewis-Skelly. The 19-year-old, who also broke through last season, has found opportunities severely limited this term, making just one Premier League start.
The former forward questioned Lewis-Skelly's place in the defensive pecking order, noting that even with injuries, Arteta seems to prefer other options. With the World Cup on the horizon, Aliadiere suggested a loan might have benefited Lewis-Skelly, allowing him to play regularly and bolster his chances of an England recall.
This situation underscores a broader debate at the Emirates: balancing squad depth for a congested fixture list against the crucial need for promising young players to gain consistent first-team experience elsewhere to fulfil their vast potential.
