Dortmund signs Arsenal youngster Nwaneri on loan

Borussia Dortmund has signed Arsenal midfielder Ethan Nwaneri on loan for the 2026-27 season, the Bundesliga club announced on Tuesday.

The 19-year-old arrives shortly before the transfer window closes, with Dortmund moving quickly to reinforce its attacking midfield following the long-term loss of summer signing Giannis Konstantelias to a cruciate ligament injury.

Dortmund managing director for sport Lars Ricken described Nwaneri as a technically gifted player who offered the qualities the club had been seeking. "For us, Ethan's signing was now the best possible sporting solution," Ricken said. "We are delighted that we were able to complete it shortly before the end of the transfer window."

Born in London, Nwaneri joined Arsenal's academy aged eight and progressed through the club's youth ranks before making Premier League history in September 2022. Aged 15 years, five months and 28 days, he became the youngest player ever to appear in the English top flight, marking the start of a rapid rise into senior football.

The left-footed midfielder has since made 51 professional appearances for Arsenal, scoring 10 goals, while also gaining experience in France during the second half of last season. Nwaneri spent that period on loan at Ligue 1 side Olympique Marseille, where he made 11 appearances and scored twice.

Comfortable in attacking midfield and on the right flank, the teenager has built a reputation for his close control, acceleration and ability to cut inside onto his stronger left foot before shooting from around the edge of the penalty area.

Dortmund have already seen those qualities at close range. Nwaneri scored against Niko Kovac's side during a pre-season friendly at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium in early August, although Dortmund won the match 3-2.

He is also part of England's Under-21 setup, where he plays alongside Dortmund midfielder Jobe Bellingham.

Ricken said Konstantelias' absence had made another addition necessary and welcomed Dortmund's late solution. "It was important for us to strengthen our squad again at short notice," he said.