Arsenal midfielder Ethan Nwaneri is set to join German Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund on a season-long loan, as the two clubs reach an agreement on transfer deadline day.
The 19-year-old England Under-21 international is travelling to Germany to complete the move, with the deal expected to give him an opportunity for more regular first-team football.
Nwaneri joined Arsenal’s academy as a youngster and made history in September 2022 when he became the youngest player to appear in a Premier League match, making his debut for the Gunners at just 15 years old.
His progress continued during the 2024-25 season, when he established himself more regularly in Arsenal’s first team and scored nine goals in 37 appearances across all competitions.
However, opportunities have been more limited for the teenager at the beginning of the 2026-27 campaign. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has previously indicated that playing regular football would be important for Nwaneri’s continued development.
The move to Dortmund provides the midfielder with a new opportunity to gain experience in the Bundesliga and compete for regular playing time at one of Germany’s leading clubs.
Dortmund’s decision to pursue Nwaneri also comes after an injury to summer signing Giannis Konstantelias, which has affected the club’s attacking options.
Nwaneri previously spent part of the 2025-26 season on loan at French side Marseille, where he made nine appearances and scored two goals.
The temporary move to Dortmund means Nwaneri will remain an Arsenal player while gaining valuable experience abroad, with his immediate focus now on establishing himself in Germany.
