Dortmund Move for Nwaneri
Borussia Dortmund have agreed a loan deal to sign Arsenal midfielder Ethan Nwaneri, according to multiple reports. GIVEMESPORT, citing sources, reported that an agreement is in place for the 19-year-old to move to the Bundesliga side for the remainder of the season. TEAMtalk similarly reported that Nwaneri has agreed to join Dortmund, with the deal expected to be completed on deadline day, and that Dortmund will cover his wages during his time at the Westfalenstadion.
The move follows weeks of interest from across Europe. TEAMtalk named RB Leipzig, Napoli, Lyon, and several Premier League clubs as having shown serious interest in Nwaneri, who spent last season on loan at Marseille. Yardbarker, citing The Athletic, reported that Dortmund made an official approach for the player, with sporting director Sebastian Kehl and his recruitment team identifying him as a primary target.
Injury Crisis Spurs Dortmund
The urgency behind Dortmund's pursuit stems from a significant injury blow. Greek international Giannis Konstantelias, who joined from PAOK for €26m in the summer, suffered a torn ACL during Saturday's victory over Hamburg, according to both TEAMtalk and GIVEMESPORT. The 23-year-old is expected to be sidelined for the majority of the season, leaving Dortmund short in attacking midfield.
Dortmund have also been linked with other options, including Marcel Regula from Zaglebie Lubin, per Yardbarker, and are reportedly weighing up a return for Jadon Sancho, who is a free agent after leaving Manchester United, according to GIVEMESPORT. However, Nwaneri is seen as a high-calibre option to fill the creative void.
Nwaneri's Arsenal Situation
Nwaneri, who made his Arsenal debut aged 15 years, five months and 28 days against Brentford in September 2022, remains the youngest player ever to appear in a Premier League match, as noted by Yardbarker. He enjoyed a prolific 2024-25 season, making 37 appearances with nine goals and two assists for the Gunners, but has since found himself lower in the pecking order under head coach Mikel Arteta.
Having returned to Arsenal after a loan at Marseille, where he started just three Ligue 1 games, Nwaneri is yet to appear in the Premier League this season, according to GIVEMESPORT. Yardbarker reported that Arteta has previously hinted the teenager might need a move away to continue his development, saying he "needs to play football" and that "certain players" may need to leave.
No Permanent Clause, Arsenal's Long-Term View
According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal have made it "crystal clear" from the outset that they will not include a clause allowing Dortmund to make the move permanent. The Gunners continue to see a long-term future for Nwaneri at the Emirates and view the loan primarily as an opportunity for him to gain regular first-team football at a major European club, the outlet reported.
Dortmund's track record of developing young English talent, including Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham, is seen as a key factor in the move, Yardbarker reported. GIVEMESPORT noted that Nwaneri can take inspiration from Bellingham, who moved to Germany before reaching the next level.