Borussia Dortmund push to sign England youngster Ethan Nwaneri from Arsenal

Borussia Dortmund are pushing to sign Arsenal attacking midfielder Ethan Nwaneri, with talks reportedly under way between the clubs and the player’s representatives before the summer transfer window closes.

According to a source, discussions have started as Dortmund attempt to reach an agreement for the 19-year-old England prospect with Nigerian roots.

Nwaneri’s future at Arsenal has become less certain after he was left out of the squad for the Community Shield and started the new Premier League campaign on the bench.

Dortmund see opportunity for Nwaneri

The German club are keen to secure Nwaneri’s services as they look to add another promising young player to their squad.

Nwaneri came through Arsenal’s academy and became the youngest player to represent the London club when he made his senior debut at the age of 15 years, five months and 28 days.

Since making his first-team debut against Brentford on 18 September 2022, he has gone on to make 51 appearances for Arsenal across all competitions, scoring 10 goals and providing two assists.

Difficult Marseille loan

Nwaneri spent the second half of last season on loan at Olympique de Marseille in an attempt to gain regular first-team experience.

However, the move did not produce the expected breakthrough, with the midfielder making only 11 appearances and playing a total of 412 minutes.

He scored twice and provided one assist during his spell in France but struggled to adapt to French football.

Arsenal future under scrutiny

Nwaneri was an unused substitute when Arsenal began their 2026-27 Premier League campaign against Coventry City.

His situation had already attracted attention after he was omitted from Mikel Arteta’s squad for Arsenal’s Community Shield victory over Manchester City.

With Dortmund now pushing to complete a deal before the transfer window closes, Nwaneri’s next move could provide a major decision point in the career of one of England’s highly rated young attacking players.