Former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboue has publicly advised young Gunners talent Ethan Nwaneri to reconsider a potential January loan move to Marseille, urging the 18-year-old to remain patient and continue his development in north London. Eboue believes Nwaneri would benefit more from learning under manager Mikel Arteta at Arsenal rather than seeking immediate playing time elsewhere.
Nwaneri's Rise and Current Situation at Arsenal
Ethan Nwaneri made history in 2022 when he became the youngest ever player to feature in an English top-flight match, debuting for Arsenal at just 15 years and 181 days old. After another Premier League appearance in the 2023/24 campaign, he firmly established himself as a regular in Arteta's first-team squad last season. During that period, Nwaneri made 29 league appearances, including 11 starts, contributing four goals and two assists—a respectable tally for a developing player.
However, this season has seen the attacking midfielder take on a more limited role, with no Premier League starts in Arsenal's first 22 games. This reduced playing time has sparked speculation about a January loan move, with Marseille reportedly initiating positive discussions with Nwaneri's representatives. The Ligue 1 club, under manager Roberto De Zerbi, appears keen to welcome the England Under-21 international, despite Arsenal's initial preference to keep him at the club amid interest from West Ham and Bournemouth.
Eboue's Advice: Patience and Learning Under Arteta
In an interview with AceOdds, Eboue emphasised the importance of patience for young players like Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly. "This year it will be very difficult for them to get game-time as Arsenal want to win the trophies," Eboue stated. "Arteta, as I said, won't risk things too much and he will play the guys who are available to play."
The Ivorian former defender added: "They have to be patient. They have to learn how to do their best with whatever minutes they get this year. And I think next year it will be good for them. Some young players rush too much because they want to play and ask their club to go on loan. So I think for them, they should stay and learn more playing under Arteta."
Eboue's Views on Arsenal's Title Challenge and Upcoming Fixtures
Looking beyond Nwaneri's situation, Eboue shared his thoughts on Arsenal's Premier League campaign. He anticipates a tough clash against a resurgent Manchester United in their next match, noting United's motivated performance against Manchester City. "Now, they have a good team and they're ready to fight for the club so Arsenal will have to be at their best to win the game," Eboue warned. "They have to give their very best. I don't think it will be easy."
Eboue also discussed Manchester City's determination to fight back in the title race, suggesting Arsenal cannot afford complacency. "City have a good squad, but they are making a lot of mistakes this season," he explained. "It has been very difficult for them to win, even against the small teams. Arsenal have to take advantage of this and Arsenal have to win all their games. The reason why they have to do more is also because I think that City will try to fight back."
Fan Expectations and the Importance of Silverware
The former Ivory Coast international highlighted the significance of winning the Premier League title for Arsenal supporters. "For the fans, the Premier League trophy is the most important one, and while the others are important, this one is certainly the priority," Eboue continued. "They haven't won it for a long time, so this year it is very important for both the fans and the club. Winning other cups would be a bonus, but the league is the best thing to win for the fans."
Eboue acknowledged that while Champions League success would bring happiness, Premier League glory would mean more to the fanbase. He also cautioned that failure to secure silverware this season could lead to growing agitation among supporters, drawing parallels to Arsene Wenger's later years. "Arteta has done good things for the club, but as a fan you want to win the trophy," Eboue noted. "This year, the fans are expecting the club to win the league. The players need to do a bit more to get it over the line though."
As the January transfer window progresses, Nwaneri faces a critical decision about his immediate future, with Eboue's advice adding weight to the argument for staying put at Arsenal rather than pursuing a loan move to Marseille.
