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Arsenal and Marseille are in talks over a potential loan deal for Ethan Nwaneri. The situation is thought to remain fluid at present, but the player is eager for an opportunity to secure more playing time this season. The temporary move would not feature a purchase option, though Arsenal would receive a loan fee for the arrangement.

Nwaneri is believed to be travelling with the squad to Milan for Arsenal's Champions League clash against Inter Milan at the San Siro. Arteta will address the press following the match, where he may face further enquiries about the 18-year-old's future. Multiple clubs from both England and overseas showed interest throughout January. football.london reported that the club had rejected an approach from West Ham earlier in the winter transfer window.

Mikel Arteta was questioned just under three weeks ago about the possibility of Nwaneri departing on loan. Unlike with Gabriel Jesus, whom he categorically ruled out leaving, he kept Nwaneri's potential future open to speculation.

"That every player is important," he said. "Every player has a role, that role can change throughout the season for different reasons, and everybody has to be ready to play. That's it."

Arsenal have already been hit by injuries in attack, especially in forward positions. Meanwhile, Martin Odegaard has endured three separate fitness issues already this campaign.

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That said, Eberechi Eze, Mikel Merino and Kai Havertz are all capable of operating in the attacking midfield role, providing Arteta with numerous alternatives.

Eze has similarly found playing time difficult to find in recent weeks, while another youngster in addition to Nwaneri, Max Dowman, has made an impression on the first team.

Nwaneri has found it difficult to secure a place in matchday squads and despite travelling with the team to Italy, was once again omitted from the Premier League squad that drew with Nottingham Forest at the weekend.