Mikel Arteta has warned Ethan Nwaneri he must answer questions over his commitment at Marseille, suggesting it could be the making of the Arsenal teenager's career if he does so. The 19-year-old joined the French side on loan in January seeking more regular first-team football, but has struggled for game time under new manager Habib Beye.
Nwaneri has not started a match since being brought off at half-time against Paris Saint-Germain on February 8. He was an unused substitute against Nice last weekend, and Beye publicly questioned his "everyday commitment". Arteta responded by saying it is on Nwaneri to prove he deserves minutes.
"I think that's the coach's opinion," Arteta said. "He's with him every single day and that's it. He's the one making the decision, he's the one that sees and understands better what he's doing. Ethan has to respond to that in the right way."
The Arsenal manager pointed to the impact a loan at Marseille had on William Saliba's career. Saliba spent the 2021-22 season at the club, making 52 appearances, before returning to become an ever-present in Arteta's side. "It's the same place that William Saliba was there, same club. The outcome - let's see. Maybe it's the best thing that can happen for Ethan, for his career," Arteta added.
Nwaneri played just 166 minutes of Premier League football in the first half of this season at Arsenal, all off the bench, though he made four starts in cup competitions. His loan move was intended to provide more opportunities, but he has yet to start under Beye, who took charge on February 19.
