On the eve of Marseille's French Cup clash against Rennes, Roberto De Zerbi addressed the media on Monday and touched on Marseille's transfer activity in the January window.

Among the players brought in is Ethan Nwaneri who joined on loan from Arsenal until the end of the 2025-2026 season.

The 1993 European champions are on the verge of completing the deadline day signing of one-cap Nigeria international Tochhukwu Nnadi, who is already in France ahead of completing his permanent move from Belgian club Zulte Waregem.

Nnadi made his Super Eagles debut off the bench during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, playing the final thirteen minutes of a 3-1 win over Uganda.

De Zerbi explained that several decisions taken during the January transfer window were influenced by financial considerations, not purely technical ones.

He was quoted as saying by RMC Sport: "Things are also done for club reasons, for financial reasons. It's not just technical issues.

"Regarding financial reasons, for example, when we have Abdelli or Nnadi, who are two players who belong to the club, compared to O'Riley who was here on loan… He would have had even less playing time. So we make these decisions."

De Zerbi described Nnadi as a good player, highlighting his quality and potential while stressing the importance of patience in his development.

"For Nwaneri, Timber, Abdelli, and Nnadi, they are good players, but they need time. As you saw with Timber and Nwaneri, when players are good, time is always less of a concern."

Nnadi brings his time at Zulte Waregem to an end after 58 appearances, with one goal and two assists to his name.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel