Borussia Dortmund target Arsenal midfielder Ethan Nwaneri in summer move

Borussia Dortmund are exploring a summer transfer for Arsenal midfielder Ethan Nwaneri as the Gunners consider offers for the 19-year-old playmaker.

The Bundesliga club have a proven track record of nurturing young English talent, having previously developed Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham into global stars.

Their current squad already features Jobe Bellingham, and the German giants have now identified the north London prospect as their next developmental project.

The teenager spent the latter half of the 2025-26 campaign on loan at Marseille to gain valuable senior experience.

Arsenal open to summer departure

The highly-rated academy graduate signed a new long-term contract at Emirates Stadium last year, tying him to the Premier League side until 2030.

However, a lack of regular first-team opportunities has left the player eager for consistent competitive minutes elsewhere.

He currently faces stiff competition for the number ten role, with Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze firmly established ahead of him in the pecking order.

Furthermore, the rapid emergence of teenage sensation Max Dowman has pushed the versatile attacker further down the depth chart out wide.

Funding a title defence

Arsenal are aware they need to generate funds through player sales before introducing new faces to bolster their upcoming title defence.

Dortmund have maintained a long-standing interest in the attacking midfielder and are carefully positioning themselves to strike if a departure is formally sanctioned.

The English outfit may ultimately prefer a temporary loan arrangement, given the four years remaining on his current deal.

He is still expected to receive a chance to impress during pre-season preparations, especially with several senior stars unavailable following their recent World Cup exploits.