Ethan Nwaneri is set to leave Arsenal for Borussia Dortmund on a season-long loan after the clubs reached a verbal agreement on transfer deadline day.
Fabrizio Romano reported that the 19-year-old had approved the move overnight, with the Bundesliga club agreeing to cover his wages for the duration of the 2026-27 campaign. The deal is understood to contain no option or obligation for Dortmund to sign him permanently. ([football365.com](https://www.football365.com/news/arsenal-transfer-romano-here-we-go-nwaneri-transfer-deadline-day?utm_source=openai))
Nwaneri is expected to travel to Germany for a medical before completing the formalities. The move therefore remains subject to the final stages of the transfer process, despite Romano’s “here we go” confirmation. ([standard.co.uk](https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-fc-transfer-news-nwaneri-b1295302.html))
Ethan Nwaneri loan move follows limited Arsenal opportunities
The attacking midfielder had not featured for Arsenal’s senior side at the start of the new season and was left out of the squad for Monday’s victory over Aston Villa.
With competition for places particularly strong in the wide and central attacking positions, Arsenal concluded that another temporary move would give Nwaneri a better chance of securing regular first-team football than remaining in north London.
Dortmund’s approach followed a serious knee injury suffered by Giannis Konstantelias, who is expected to spend a significant period on the sidelines. The German club identified Nwaneri as a player capable of providing additional attacking options. ([standard.co.uk](https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-fc-transfer-news-nwaneri-b1295302.html))
Nwaneri previously spent the second half of last season on loan at Marseille, where his progress was restricted by a change of manager and limited playing time. Arsenal nevertheless retain strong confidence in his potential, having tied him to a new long-term contract last summer. ([standard.co.uk](https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-fc-transfer-news-nwaneri-marseille-loan-b1267503.html?utm_source=openai))
Borussia Dortmund have a long-standing reputation for giving young players meaningful opportunities, and Nwaneri will hope the move provides a more consistent platform to develop in the Bundesliga.
Arsenal’s decision to exclude a permanent clause means the club will retain full control over his future. If Nwaneri establishes himself in Germany, he will be due to return to the Emirates next summer with further senior experience and the chance to compete for a place in Mikel Arteta’s squad.
