Arsenal have retained control over Ethan Nwaneri’s future by including a January recall clause in his season-long loan move to Borussia Dortmund.
The 19-year-old has joined the Bundesliga club on a straight loan, with no option or obligation for Dortmund to make the transfer permanent. Arsenal therefore expect to welcome the England Under-21 midfielder back to north London at the end of the 2026-27 campaign.
Arsenal can recall Ethan Nwaneri in January
Fabrizio Romano reports that Arsenal will be able to activate a specific recall provision during the January transfer window if they decide Nwaneri should return earlier than planned.
The clause gives Arsenal the flexibility to reassess the player’s situation midway through the season, whether because he is not receiving sufficient playing time in Germany or because Mikel Arteta’s squad requires additional attacking options.
Arsenal are understood to remain convinced of Nwaneri’s long-term potential and have no immediate intention of giving up their interest in one of the club’s most highly rated academy products.
Dortmund, meanwhile, are pleased to have secured a player they had previously identified as a leading target for the position. The German side will now look to provide Nwaneri with regular first-team football and further senior experience.
