Ethan Nwaneri set for Bundesliga move as Borussia Dortmund close in on Arsenal teenager

Arsenal attacking midfielder Ethan Nwaneri is close to joining Borussia Dortmund on loan, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, with the 19-year-old expected to continue his development in the Bundesliga.

Nwaneri, who has Nigerian heritage, has yet to make an appearance for Arsenal this season. The temporary move to Germany is expected to give him the regular first-team football he needs after his experience with Olympique de Marseille during the second half of the 2025/26 campaign.

Borussia Dortmund have stepped up their interest following the injury to Giannis Konstantelias. The Bundesliga club were looking to add another attacking option and identified Nwaneri as a particularly attractive candidate.

Negotiations with Arsenal progressed quickly, allowing the two clubs to reach an agreement over the proposed loan. Nwaneri has also given his approval to the move, according to Romano.

The teenager came through Arsenal’s academy and continues to be regarded as one of the outstanding young talents of his generation. His spell at Olympique de Marseille last season gave him valuable experience, although his overall performances and results were considered mixed.

A move to Dortmund would provide Nwaneri with the opportunity to establish greater consistency and compete at the highest level. He could also feature in the Champions League, adding European experience to his development.

Nwaneri remains under contract at Arsenal until 30 June 2030. His transfer value is estimated at 35m euros, while Borussia Dortmund will cover his entire salary for the duration of the loan.

The proposed switch would represent another significant step in the development of a player Arsenal have monitored closely since his emergence through their youth system. Nwaneri’s move to Olympique de Marseille was designed to give him senior experience, and his next challenge would be to secure a regular role in Dortmund’s attacking plans.

Borussia Dortmund’s decision to move for him was accelerated by the injury to Konstantelias, but the club also viewed Nwaneri as a player capable of strengthening their forward options beyond the immediate need for cover. Arsenal, meanwhile, would retain control of a player tied to the club for a further four years after the end of the planned loan.

Arsenal are due to play Chelsea in the third round of the English league campaign shortly. Betting company 1xBet lists Arsenal as the favourites for that fixture at 1.65, with a draw priced at 3.70 and a Chelsea victory at 4.70. The source article also refers to the option of downloading 1xBet.