Marseille have reached an agreement with Arsenal to sign 18-year-old midfielder Ethan Nwaneri on loan until the end of the season, sources have told ESPN.
The Gunners were originally reluctant to allow Nwaneri to leave the club as they chase silverware on four fronts but now believe the 18-year-old's development could be best served by a spell away.
Nwaneri has started just four games this season and only one since Nov. 4.
Sources say Marseille are willing to cover Nwaneri's salary but there would not be any option or obligation to make the move permanent as he is viewed as a key part of Arsenal's long-term plans.
Speaking after Arsenal's Champions League win over Inter Milan later on Tuesday, manager Mikel Arteta said they world discuss the move with Nwaneri this week.
"We certainly have to assess the situation," Arteta told reporters. "Obviously, Ethan is not playing the minutes that he deserves and needs at his age. We're going to sit down this week and address the situation and give everybody's opinion.
"At the end, we'll make the decision that we believe is the best one for the player, because we have a massive talent there and we need to look after it."
There were multiple clubs interested in signing Nwaneri -- including Crystal Palace and AFC Bournemouth -- but sources suggest Marseille's style of play under Roberto de Zerbi was thought to be particularly suitable for the England under-21 international.
Per ESPN sources, their Champions League status is another draw for the player
Marseille have been actively looking for a No. 10 this window, per ESPN sources.
Nwaneri played an important role last season when Bukayo Saka was sidelined with a hamstring injury, starting 10 out of 15 matches between January and April.
He signed a new contract last summer tying him to the club until 2030. However, the Gunners signed Noni Madueke from Chelsea in the summer to ease the burden on Saka while adding Eberechi Eze to bolster Arsenal's central attacking positions, meaning Nwaneri's game-time has been restricted.
- Seven transfer targets who could improve any team this month
- Gabriel Jesus: 'My wish is to stay at Arsenal' after injury-hit spell
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has previously suggested no player would leave this month after seeing his squad repeatedly depleted by injuries this season but sources say the club are now open to allowing Nwaneri to depart.
Information from ESPN's Julien Laurens contributed to this report.