Borussia Dortmund have agreed to a season-long loan for Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri, with the German club covering his full salary and no option to buy. Dortmund moved for Nwaneri after Giannis Konstantelias suffered a serious knee injury.
Nwaneri is in Germany for a medical ahead of his loan move to Dortmund, per Fabrizio Romano. The 19-year-old will spend the 2026–27 season with the Bundesliga club, while remaining under contract with Arsenal until 2030. Dortmund sources confirm they will pay Nwaneri's wages in full during the loan.
The agreement includes no option or obligation to buy, keeping the player's long-term future tied to Arsenal. Nwaneri's arrival gives Dortmund a technically gifted, left-footed attacker who can operate across the front line and in advanced midfield roles.
He is expected to compete for minutes immediately at Dortmund. Nwaneri had made no Premier League appearances in the opening weeks of 2026–27. He was an unused substitute in the 3–0 win over Coventry City before being left out of the squad against Aston Villa.
Mikel Arteta had indicated earlier in the summer that Nwaneri's future would depend on whether regular football could be guaranteed. The loan gives him the chance to play regularly at Dortmund while remaining under contract with Arsenal.
Nwaneri leaves Arsenal with 51 senior appearances, 10 goals and two assists across all competitions since his record-breaking debut in 2022. He spent the second half of last season on loan at Marseille, scoring twice in nine Ligue 1 appearances.
Why Dortmund Moved For Nwaneri After Konstantelias Injury
Konstantelias joined Dortmund from PAOK earlier in August and scored on his debut against Hamburger SV before going off injured in the second half. Club doctors later confirmed an ACL tear that will keep him out for several months.
Konstantelias’ injury left Dortmund short of creative options in the final third, with other attackers either new to the squad or returning from injuries.
| Nwaneri (Premier League 2025-26) | Games | Minutes Played | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Red Cards |
| Premier League (2025–26) | 9 | 324 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Dortmund’s recruitment team had been monitoring Nwaneri’s development for some time, including his performances at Arsenal and during his loan spell at Marseille.
How English Players Have Found Success At Dortmund
Nwaneri becomes the latest English player to join Dortmund after Jude Bellingham spent three seasons at the club before moving to Real Madrid, where he has established himself as a key midfielder.
Jadon Sancho also revived his career at Dortmund after leaving Manchester United. His performances earned him a return to the Premier League and a place in England’s senior squad.
Jamie Gittens, another young English attacker, made a strong impression during his time in Germany. He used the Bundesliga as a development platform before attracting interest from top clubs in England and beyond.
Dortmund has given young English players a clear route into regular first-team football in recent years. They have a strong record of developing young attacking players, and Nwaneri will be expected to contribute both goals and creativity during his loan spell.
His performances will be judged on his overall contribution as well as his goals and assists. A successful spell in Germany could give Arsenal a more developed player upon his return. The absence of a buy option means Arsenal will retain full control over his future.