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Arsenal Loanee Ethan Nwaneri’s ‘Rollercoaster’ Start at Marseille

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Young English midfielder Ethan Nwaneri left Arsenal in the January transfer market, heading to French club Marseille on loan for the remainder of the 2025/26 season. Already, in his short time with the Ligue 1 outfit, he has experienced a ‘rollercoaster’ of emotions.

The 18-year-old impressed on debut, taking just 13 minutes to make an impact in his side’s 3-1 Ligue 1 victory over RC Lens at the Orange Velodrome. Indeed, the youngster found the back of the net with a trademark left-footed effort, leaving local media more than impressed.

Since then, however, a number of dramatic incidents have occurred at the French club. Some, on the pitch and directly relating to Nwaneri, while others were issues behind the scenes, which must have left him scratching his head in wonder.

Nwaneri’s Chaotic Start to Life With Marseille

ethan nwaneri

The chaos at Marseille was summed up by France-based journalist Matt Spiro. The French football expert explained how Nwaneri has witnessed an eye-opening start to life with his loan team, noting a series of incidents across the last 10 days:

“The last ten days will have been quite the eye-opener for Ethan Nwaneri – and valuable for his development. Marseille is a rollercoaster,” Spiro began, before listing the events:

“The Arsenal loanee scores an excellent goal 13 minutes into debut as Marseille beat Lens 3-1 in front of 53,000 at Velodrome.

“Travels to Belgium, sees team-mates collapse in Bruges (0-3) & crash out of the Champions League, plunging club into crisis.

“Attends training camp at Clairefontaine, initially without De Zerbi – the main reason he joined – as coach weighs up future.

“Witnesses training ground scrap between team-mates Kondogbia & Veermeeren.

“Sees 3 other new team-mates Amir Murillo, Angel Gomes & Matt O’Riley pushed towards exit.

‘Helps Marseille go 2-0 up at Paris FC. Goes off, watches Marseille collapse (again) late on to draw 2-2.

“Attends meeting with ultras, players, De Zerbi, Benatia & president Longoria; hears first hand what fans expect from a Marseille player.

“Greeted by a hostile Velodrome full of menacing banners as Marseille host Rennes in French Cup.

‘Escapes red card in first half after dangerous challenge that injures Kamara; gets away with yellow as there is no VAR.

“Helps Marseille reach 1/4s with 3-0 win.”

Spiro then concluded: “Next up? PSG away on Sunday.”

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Chelsea legend John Terry goes viral on social media after posting a video of his reaction to Arsenal’s victory in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.

Nwaneri Slammed Over Horror Tackle vs Rennes

Evidently, it’s been a hugely eventful time for Nwaneri at Marseille so far, and talk that head coach Roberto De Zerbi could leave must have been of concern to both him and manager Mikel Arteta, as Arsenal sanctioned the loan specifically, in part, so the youngster could learn from the Italian.

Things, thankfully, appear to have settled down somewhat now and De Zerbi has actually credited the aforementioned meeting with ultras in helping turn things around. After a statement 3-0 win over Rennes, the Marseille boss noted:

“Our supporters are more intelligent and knowledgeable than people think. They almost always tell the truth. They were disappointed in Bruges, and rightly so, it was a shameful match. When a team gives you the impression of being strong, it’s normal to have expectations. Sometimes they are met, sometimes not. The fans told us some valid points on Monday at the training ground.”

In that same game, things could have been much worse for Nwaneri and his team, as the Englishman was somewhat fortunate to avoid a red card in the 22nd minute. He flew into Glen Kamara and caught his ankle with notable force, but with VAR not in use, avoided further punishment beyond a yellow card.

The Rennes man had to be withdrawn due to injury, and manager Habib Beye even claimed that officials apologised after the match, realising Nwaneri should have been sent off. De Zerbi swiftly substituted Nwaneri at half-time, but French media were not impressed with the foul.

Eurosport France called the injury “horrific”, before adding: “It was a violent tackle with the Englishman’s foot on the Finn’s ankle.” La Provence were just as scathing: “He completely lost it when he took out Kamara with a very heavy tackle on the ankle that deserved a red card. He only received a yellow card but was logically replaced at half-time.”

With PSG to come this weekend, Nwaneri will be hoping to make a better impression.

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Ruben Amorim Wants Manuel Ugarte From Man Utd

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Ruben Amorim could offer Manuel Ugarte an escape route, as The Mirror claims that the former Manchester United head coach wants the midfielder at his next club, AC Milan.

The Uruguayan international has struggled to make much of an impression since his switch from Paris Saint-Germain, having dropped down the team pecking order in the past year.

Ugarte’s struggles have been well-documented, and as Man United look to bolster their midfield ranks, he has been put among the players shortlisted for a potential exit this summer.

As they look to recoup much of the £42 million spent on the 25-year-old this summer, Amorim could give the Red Devils a much-needed financial boost.

AC Milan Want Manuel Ugarte

Manuel Ugarte vs England
Manuel Ugarte vs England

According to the report from The Mirror, Amorim is looking at a potential move for Ugarte this summer, with the hopes of reuniting at AC Milan.

It’s stated that Man United have slapped a £30 million price tag on the midfielder, as they hope to land a decent fee to move him on three years before the end of his contract.

As it stands, the Rossoneri are currently unwilling to match that demand, but talks are planned so that the two clubs can reach a compromise to get a deal over the line.

There is some hope that a positive World Cup for Ugarte, who is featuring for Uruguay in North America this summer, will help the Red Devils in their case to get a strong fee for him.

It remains to be seen whether that will be the case, but any move is likely to free up funds for the club to go back into the market for even better options.

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Man United’s Midfield Refresh

Michael Carrick Manchester United manager (2026)

A transfer exit for Ugarte could help get the midfield refresh at Manchester United firmly underway, replacing a wantaway star with some quality.

Ederson’s move from Atalanta is already agreed in a huge boost for the position, while talks are continuing over the signing of Mateus Fernandes from West Ham.

At least two additions to the central ranks are expected, but an exit for Ugarte for a strong fee could free up funds to add a third midfielder who could make all the difference.


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Manchester United are in the market for midfielders, with a former Manchester City academy player in their sights.

Links have continued for the likes of Alex Scott and Carlos Baleba, who may emerge as strong candidates later in the transfer window.

It remains to be seen if that is possible, especially with interest for a new left-back, backup goalkeeper, and a forward of some description before the window closes.

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Why Tuchel Didn’t Call Up Trent Alexander-Arnold to Replace Tino Livramento

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Thomas Tuchel has again decided against calling up Trent Alexander-Arnold to England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, and his reasons for doing so have emerged.

The Real Madrid defender was excluded from England’s 26-man squad for this summer’s tournament in May, with the likes of Reece James, Djed Spence and Tino Livramento preferred.

Livramento had to withdraw from England’s squad just days before the Three Lions’ opener against Croatia after suffering a calf injury in training.

Tuchel again decided against calling up Trent to replace the Newcastle defender, instead bringing Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah into the fold.

Why Tuchel Decided Against Calling Up Trent Alexander-Arnold

Trent Alexander-Arnold in action for Real Madrid Lee Smith via Reuters

Many football fans questioned Tuchel’s decision to leave out Alexander-Arnold when he initially named his squad, and many are baffled they have overlooked him again.

Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett has now explained the two reasons why the Real Madrid defender, considered one of the best right-backs in the world, was not called up.

He said: “There will be a lot of England fans and pundits saying ‘why not Trent Alexander-Arnold?’ – that’s a question Tuchel will be asked.

“It’s my understanding there are two reasons why it wouldn’t be Alexander-Arnold – firstly, we don’t know where he is. Could the England logistics teams get him here in time before the deadline?

“Also, Tuchel has left some big names out of this squad, Cole Palmer, Harry Maguire and Phil Foden. He didn’t want to bring them if they weren’t going to be guaranteed game time. So the England manager may have had concerns about bringing in a superstar like Alexander-Arnold if he was going to spend time sitting on the bench.”

World Cup History Quiz

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Thomas Tuchel Explains Reasons For Calling Up Chalobah

England manager Thomas Tuchel during a press conference in England Press Conference in Gardens North County District Park, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, U.S. Thomas Tuchel via Reuters/Jim Rassol​​​​​​​

Tuchel has now addressed Livramento’s injury and explained why he decided to replace him with Chalobah.

He said: “Tino was of course very disappointed and sad. All of us were. It was a bit of a shock when he had to stop training and he had a feeling that this could be an injury that could cost him the tournament. He was unfortunately right after assessment.

“We got the information that it’s about four or five weeks, which is unfortunately too long to keep on rebuilding and reintegrating him into the squad. We took the decision to send him home, which is disappointing.

“We called Trevoh Chalobah, because we can free up Jarell Quansah as a full-back on both sides. Djed Spence can play as a full-back on both sides. Trevoh comes as a centre-back alternative, which gives us full coverage in the back four.”

England get their 2026 World Cup campaign underway on Wednesday evening when they take on Croatia at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

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After 3 Years, Arsenal Revive Transfer Interest In Ivan Fresneda

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Arsenal are set to enter the summer transfer market with some huge potential deals, as reports claim the club are looking to revive interest in a defender they eyed three years ago.

The Gunners are expected to be somewhat busy over the course of the transfer window, with Mikel Arteta looking to take his team to the next level after sealing his first Premier League title as head coach.

The priority appears to be in attack, as links to Morgan Rogers have persisted, while there is also interest in PSG star Bradley Barcola for the coming weeks.

There may be some moves in the defence too, depending on outgoings, with reports emerging of a potential deal in the works for a star they’ve shown interest in before.

Arsenal Want Ivan Fresneda Transfer

Iván Fresneda

As Arsenal look at new options to freshen up the squad, Portuguese outlet A Bola, via Sport Witness, claims that the Gunners are eyeing a deal for Sporting CP star Ivan Fresneda.

The North London clubs were linked with the defender back in 2023, as he impressed when breaking through the ranks with Real Valladolid.

While there was interest, he instead made the move to Sporting, where he has made 81 appearances since and has grown into an important player for the side.

The report claims that Arsenal are closely monitoring Fresneda, and while there is a £69 million release clause in his deal, his club are unwilling to negotiate a move this summer.

Joining Arsenal in their interest is Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Newcastle United, as they all eye a potential star of the future at right-back.

It remains to be seen if the Gunners can finally tempt a move for Fresneda, but they should try their luck if they want to progress.

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Arsenal Need Right-Back Cover

Ben White

Arsenal fans are likely to get more excited by their forward additions rather than any signings in the backline, but a new right-back could be key this summer.

The Gunners found it to be a problem position last season, as injuries to Jurrien Timber and Ben White kept the pair out of action, with Arteta resorting to using Cristhian Mosquera at right-back.

Fresneda, at just 21 years old, could prove to be an ideal candidate to compete for a place in the long-term, while offering plenty of energy and fitness for the role.


Mikel Arteta


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Arsenal’s pursuit of one star in the summer transfer window has been boosted.

He was among the fastest players in the Champions League for last season, showing he can bring his rapid pace to the backline as and when required.

It remains to be seen how much it may take to complete a deal, but it’s one Arsenal should push to get over the line to help bolster out their options.

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