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Borussia Dortmund have stepped up their interest in Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri as they aim to strengthen their attacking options before the transfer deadline. The Bundesliga heavyweights are pushing for a season-long loan deal for the 19-year-old, who has had limited first-team chances at the Emirates Stadium this season.

Dortmund intensify chase for Nwaneri

According to recent reports in The Athletic, Borussia Dortmund have now made an official approach to sign Arsenal midfielder Nwaneri on loan. The German club are racing against time to bring in reinforcements before the summer transfer window shuts on Tuesday, with sporting director Sebastian Kehl and his recruitment staff identifying the England youth international as one of their leading targets.

The Bundesliga side are still optimistic about landing the 19-year-old, who is yet to feature in competitive action for the Gunners during the 2026-27 season. The urgency behind Dortmund's move has been increased by a major setback to their squad depth. Summer signing Giannis Konstantelias, who arrived from PAOK for €26m, has recently suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury that is expected to keep him out for several months.

Although Dortmund have also been linked with alternative targets, including a possible move for surprise replacement Marcel Regula from Zaglebie Lubin, Nwaneri is regarded as a top-level option capable of filling the creative gap. The London-born midfielder enjoyed an outstanding 2024-25 season, but has since slipped further down the order under Mikel Arteta.

Arteta addresses Nwaneri's uncertain future

Arteta has previously suggested that Nwaneri may need to leave the Emirates in order to continue his development. The Arsenal manager said he wants Nwaneri to stay at the club, but stressed that he "needs to play football", while also adding that "certain players" may need to depart this summer.

Those remarks have put several clubs on alert, but Dortmund feel their history of developing young English talent, including Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham, makes them an ideal destination for the teenager.

The current situation marks an important turning point for Nwaneri, who became widely known when he made his debut at the age of 15 years, five months and 28 days against Brentford in September 2022. He is still the youngest player ever to appear in a Premier League match, and that record remains intact despite the emergence of other young talents across the division.

The challenge of breaking into Arsenal's side

Nwaneri's most productive spell in Arsenal's first team came in the 2024-25 campaign. Across that season, he made 37 appearances in all competitions, scoring nine goals and providing two assists. His rise was helped in part by an injury to Bukayo Saka, which opened up a place on the right wing that Nwaneri filled with notable maturity.

However, his long-term role is viewed as being more central, and that is where the competition has become most intense. While his breakthrough came on the right flank, Nwaneri has mainly been used in central midfield since last summer's pre-season.

Congested midfield at the Emirates

The arrival of new players and the strong form of established stars have left Arsenal with a crowded midfield at the Emirates. Because of that, Martin Odegaard, Eberechi Eze and summer signing Bruno Guimaraes are seen as possible barriers to regular first-team minutes. Arsenal are cautious about slowing the progress of a player they regard as one of the standout jewels of their Hale End academy, but they also understand that Nwaneri needs steady senior-level game time to fulfil his potential.