Ethan Nwaneri plan confirmed as Arsenal consider transfer options after Mikel Merino injury

Arsenal are exploring the transfer market after losing versatile and experienced midfielder Mikel Merino to a fractured bone in his foot, with Ethan Nwaneri plan explained

Ethan Nwaneri will be formally presented as a Marseille player on Monday afternoon - indicating there are no plans for Arsenal to swiftly recall the England U21 international following Mikel Merino's injury.

The Gunners are exploring the market for potential last-minute opportunities as Merino needs to undergo surgery after suffering a bone fracture in his foot.

That has sparked speculation that Arsenal could seek to recall Nwaneri, who only joined the French giants on loan on January 23, to bolster Mikel Arteta's options for the remainder of the season.

However, football.london understands the 18-year-old is due to speak at a press conference in Marseille at 1:45pm UK time ahead of Tuesday's French Cup Round of 16 clash against Stade Rennes.

Additionally, no break clause was negotiated in the deal given it's only a five-month loan. Nwaneri has already featured twice for OM since signing on the dotted line at the Stade Velodrome.

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He netted just 13 minutes into his debut, curling a low shot into the corner of the net in the 3-1 victory over Lens.

Marseille were then ruthlessly dumped out of the Champions League on Wednesday evening following a 3-0 defeat at Club Brugge due to Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin's stunning heroics against Real Madrid.

Nwaneri would have been able to be registered for the knockout stages, providing OM had sealed qualification and following the Brugge loss, and media reports had also claimed Roberto De Zerbi had threatened to resign from his position.

The Italian was a key driving force behind Arsenal's decision to loan Nwaneri so in any case, De Zerbi's departure would have been disastrous for the Gunners but he's now confirmed he'll be staying put.

Marseille were back in action on Saturday when Nwaneri started the 2-2 draw at Paris FC. The current direction of travel is that the attacking midfielder will remain with Marseille until the end of the season as planned.

Regular playing time is on offer at the Stade Velodrome and with OM jostling for the Ligue 1 title, there's a sense he could have a big part to play for the French giants - even if he'd be of real value to Arsenal right now, too.

Talk Arsenal could launch a sensational eleventh-hour swoop for Sandro Tonali appears to be far-fetched as Newcastle would have no interest in a sale.

At this stage of the window, a deal of that magnitude does not appear to be realistic, either.

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