Roberto De Zerbi has welcomed the imminent arrival of Arsenal midfielder Ethan Nwaneri while also reaffirming his commitment to Marseille amid links with the Manchester United job.
After a breakout campaign last term, Nwaneri has been limited to just 12 first-team appearances under Mikel Arteta this season.
While Arsenal were initially reluctant to let the 18-year-old leave this season, a loan switch to Marseille is now progressing quickly.
The England Under-21 international has said yes to move to the Stade Velodrome despite interest from Crystal Palace and Bournemouth and is expected to arrive on loan until the end of the current season.
There will be no option to buy clause in the deal with Nwaneri expected back in north London this summer.
Marseille are in Champions League action on Wednesday when they host Liverpool.
Speaking ahead of that game, De Zerbi was reluctant to discuss any ongoing transfer talks but admitted he is an admirer of the Gunners starlet.
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‘Regarding the transfer market, I don’t think it’s the right time to talk about it,’ he said.
‘I know him, he’s a good player. But you’ll have to ask [Marseille president Pablo] Longoria.’
De Zerbi shone in the Premier League during his two years as Brighton boss with Pep Guardiola describing him as one of the most influential coaches of the last 20 years.
He took over at Marseille in the summer of 2024 but has now emerged as a possible candidate to take over at Old Trafford with the club seeking to appoint a new permanent manager in the summer.
The Italian signed a three-year deal at the French giants and gave every indication he is focused on the job at hand.
‘My focus is on Marseille,’ De Zerbi said.
‘I wanted to come here, I’m here before a very important match and there’s nothing else on my mind.
‘I feel good here and I have nothing to say about the future, we’ll talk about that later. I feel very good in this city and this club.’
