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Tom Weber
- 9 Jan 2026 21:01 GMT
- 4 min read
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Arsenal have enquired about Borussia Dortmund youngster Romeo Ritter amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding his future, according to German media.
The highly-rated teenager has come through Borussia Dortmund's academy and dreams of becoming a regular starter for the Bundesliga giants. However, so far, Ritter has found his path to the first team blocked.
The 17-year-old has yet to feature for Dortmund's reserves in the fourth-tier Regionalliga, let alone for the seniors in the top flight. Suitors are therefore starting to make their move.
According to Sky Germany, Arsenal and AC Milan have both made phone calls to enquire about the availability of Ritter, a left-footed centre-back who can also play at left-back.
Because of his lack of action with the first team and the high-profile interest, it is currently up in the air whether Ritter will extend his contract with Dortmund or look to leave his boyhood club for the good of his promising career.
Ritter could be Arsenal's latest teenage recruit
There is some confusion about the length of his current deal, with some reporting that he is tied down until 2027, while others claim that his terms run until 2028, which would put Dortmund in a much more comfortable position. Perhaps there is a club option for 2028.
Either way, Ritter is expected to be one to watch in the upcoming summer window. He turns 18 in March, so he will be able to move to England after the season.
Should Arsenal decide to act on their interest, Ritter could become the latest name in a growing list of talented teenagers to move to North London. The Gunners announced the signing of Victor Ozhianvuna in October and the arrival of the Quintero twins last month, with all three joining in 2027.
Arsenal are also currently in talks with Blackburn Rovers over a January deal for Igor Tyjon, who has rejected the Championship side's latest contract offer. It comes after a veritable academy exodus in 2023 and 2024, which saw several talented prospects depart the Emirates due to a lack of senior opportunities.
The perception of young players' chances to break through under Mikel Arteta shifted back in Arsenal's favour last term due to the emergence of Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly. The rare games afforded to Max Dowman before his injury have also helped in this regard.
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