Speaking to reporters before his side's UEFA Champions League meeting with Liverpool, Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi reacted to reports linking the club with an imminent move for Arsenal wonderkid of Nigerian descent Ethan Nwaneri.

According to reports, Marseille are working on a deal that would see the Hale End Academy graduate join the Ligue 1 club on loan for the remainder of the season for a fee of three million euros, with no option to buy included in the proposed deal.

Apart from Marseille, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth have been credited with an interest in the history-making midfielder, who is the youngest player to appear in the top-flight of English football at the age of 15 years and 181 days in 2022. 

However, the attacking midfielder has found opportunities limited this season, making six Premier League appearances, all of which have come as a substitute. 

In quotes relayed by Sky Sports UK, Roberto De Zerbi stated: "In the transfer market, I think it's not the right moment to speak. 

"I know he is a good player, but in the transfer market, you can ask Medhi Benatia (sporting director) or Pablo Longoria (president)."

Nwaneri signed a new contract with Arsenal in August 2025, keeping him at the Emirates Stadium until the end of the 2029-2030 season.

The England U21 international of Nigerian descent has been on the books of Arsenal since the age of eight. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel