Dortmund Eye Arsenal Midfielder Ethan Nwaneri as Transfer Deadline Approaches
Ethan Nwaneri’s future at Arsenal remains uncertain after returning from a loan spell at Marseille, with Borussia Dortmund reportedly considering a move for the England Under-21 international before the summer transfer window closes.
Nwaneri spent the second half of last season on loan at Marseille, making 11 appearances across competitions and contributing two goals and one assist. However, his path into Arsenal’s first team now appears increasingly complicated, with competition for places coming from the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze.
The 19-year-old featured during Arsenal’s pre-season preparations, but manager Mikel Arteta has reportedly indicated that regular first-team football could be difficult to guarantee in north London. The Spanish coach has also suggested that several players may need to leave the squad this summer in order to secure more consistent playing time elsewhere.
That situation has reportedly attracted Dortmund’s attention. According to The Athletic, the Bundesliga club are exploring the possibility of signing Nwaneri on loan and could offer him a more prominent role in their first-team plans.
Initial discussions are understood to have taken place, while Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl has reportedly identified the midfielder as one of the club’s priorities before the transfer window closes. Dortmund’s interest has also emerged against the backdrop of an injury setback within their own squad.
New signing Giannis Konstantelias, who arrived from PAOK for a reported €26 million, is facing a period on the sidelines after suffering an ACL injury. The setback could leave Dortmund looking for another attacking midfielder to provide additional depth while Konstantelias recovers.
Nwaneri could therefore represent one possible solution, particularly given his age and potential. A loan move would also allow Dortmund to add another young attacking option without committing to a permanent transfer.
However, there is no guarantee that the deal will be completed. Should negotiations with Arsenal or the player fail to produce an agreement, Dortmund are reportedly considering alternative targets.
One of those names is believed to be Marcel Regula of Polish side Zaglebie Lubin. The potential move for the Polish-based midfielder would represent a considerably different approach from Dortmund’s interest in Nwaneri and could emerge as an unexpected late-window option.
For Nwaneri, the priority is likely to be regular competitive football. Whether that opportunity comes at Arsenal or elsewhere could become clearer in the final days of the transfer window, with Dortmund now reportedly among the clubs monitoring his situation most closely.
