Ethan Nwaneri is joining Marseille on loan for the rest of the season.
Nwaneri struggled to break into Mikel Arteta’s first team, failing to make a start at all in the Premier League and only managing 166 minutes.
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The 18-year-old signed a new long-term contract in the summer, committing to his future with the club until 2030.
The Pitch Prospect reported in July that he was hesitant to sign a new contract without guaranteed playing time.
This season has not come to fruition for Arteta’s Premier League leaders.
The Pitch Prospect understands Arsenal were initially reluctant to let Nwaneri leave on loan in January.
However, as the players have returned from injury, their attitude has softened.
Marseille have agreed a deal with the Gunners to sign him for the remainder of the season and he is expected to join the club after their Champions League clash with Inter Milan.
The deal, which would see him play under former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi, will not include an option to buy.
The Pitch Prospect also understands West Ham were one of the other clubs interested in taking him on loan.
However, Arsenal rejected this offer.
Now Nwaneri has agreed to move to Marseille in order to secure regular playing time.
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Nwaneri’s Arsenal career
He burst onto the scene as a 15-year-old when he became the youngest player ever to play in the Premier League.
Arteta said at the time: “It’s just one step and all steps in your career don’t lead forward and you have to know that. You can go forward, then backward and then forward.”
“You fall, you go back – unfortunately that’s what this industry is like and every player’s football career.”
Nwaneri played 37 games in all competitions last season and scored nine goals.
He has also represented England at under-16, 17, 19 and 21 levels but has not yet been called up to the senior team.
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Arsenal transfers in January
Arteta has previously admitted Arsenal would be open to new signings in January should the right player become available.
“The ideal scenario is that we spend the time necessary to get to the heart of the process and understand exactly how we envision this player joining our club, the team and the relationship we want to build,” Arteta said.
“The reality is: sometimes when an opportunity presents itself, you have to act.
“But we have to try to be prepared and I think in general we make very good decisions and get top characters and personalities.”
Arsenal face Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday.
The Gunners are still in contention for four trophies and Arteta was asked if his team was capable of playing 65 games in a season.
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“Yes, but I think we have to take it game by game. We can try to look ahead, what’s coming and what’s relevant is the next game, and sometimes we’ve thought a lot about the future, the next one, two, three weeks, and then something happens and you have to adapt to the circumstances.”
“So take it game by game and enjoy the journey we’re on because it’s a great one. Give it your all every single game and let’s see what the next one brings.”