Arsenal Ready to Send Ethan Nwaneri Out on Loan as Dortmund Make Approach
Arsenal are reportedly prepared to allow Ethan Nwaneri to leave on loan after their 1-0 Premier League victory over Aston Villa, with Borussia Dortmund showing strong interest in taking the teenager temporarily.
Dortmund have submitted a loan proposal for the 19-year-old, and discussions between the two clubs are continuing. Nwaneri’s absence from Arsenal’s match-day squad at Villa Park has further fuelled speculation that a move could happen before the transfer deadline.
Bukayo Saka scored the only goal of the game in the 59th minute to give Arsenal all three points.
According to BBC Sport, Arsenal are expected to make a final decision on Nwaneri’s future on Tuesday morning, although the club are open to a loan exit. The Gunners would prefer a temporary move rather than a permanent transfer, as they remain keen on keeping the England Under-21 international’s long-term future at the Emirates.
Dortmund could be an attractive destination given their Champions League involvement and reputation for developing young attacking players. Nwaneri is also facing increased competition at Arsenal, with the club having strengthened Mikel Arteta’s squad significantly this summer. Arsenal could further add to their attacking options by completing a move for Lyon winger Malick Fofana before the 11pm deadline.
The youngster spent the second half of last season on loan at Marseille but struggled for regular playing time, making just 11 appearances and registering two goals and one assist across 412 minutes.
That experience has reportedly made playing time a major factor in Arsenal’s decision over his next destination. The club want assurances that Nwaneri will receive enough minutes to continue his development.
Dortmund have previously provided opportunities to several Premier League youngsters through loan deals, including Carney Chukwuemeka and Ian Maatsen, while also having Jadon Sancho in their ranks before his move to Manchester United.
A loan spell in Germany could allow Nwaneri to play regularly in his preferred No.10 role, although he is also capable of operating from the right wing.
However, Arsenal currently have several options in those positions, including Saka, Noni Madueke, Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze, potentially limiting Nwaneri’s opportunities at the Emirates unless injuries create openings.
Nwaneri has already made 51 senior appearances for Arsenal, scoring 10 goals and providing two assists since making his historic first-team debut at just 15 years and 181 days old in September 2022.
Arteta recently praised the youngster’s development during pre-season, describing his performances as “incredible” and saying he appeared more mature following his difficult spell in France.
The Arsenal boss has also made it clear that Nwaneri needs regular first-team football. Arteta explained that the midfielder will remain at the club if Arsenal can guarantee him sufficient minutes, but otherwise a loan move would be considered the best option for his development.
While Nwaneri appears increasingly likely to leave temporarily, Arsenal do not plan to send another highly rated youngster, Max Dowman, out on loan. The 16-year-old is expected to remain with the club, potentially featuring in cup competitions while continuing to play for the Under-21s when he is not involved with the senior squad.
