Arsenal target told to 'grow up' amid January transfer window interest

Cameron Smith

23 Dec 2025 06:45 CST
3 min read

Arsenal transfer target Karim Adeyemi has been told to “grow up” following his recent outburst at Borussia Dortmund.

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The Germany forward headed straight for the dressing room after being substituted during his side’s 2-0 win versus Borussia Monchengladbach on Friday night and he was stopped by sporting director Sebastian Kehl, who later confirmed that disciplinary action will take place.

Kehl revealed that Adeyemi will be fined for his reaction and it has added further fuel to speculation that he will leave the Bundesliga giants following the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.

In fact, as per The Mirror, Adeyemi has already told Dortmund that he would like to join Arsenal next summer, despite significant interest from fellow Premier League outfit Manchester United, with an €85 million price tag subsequently placed on his head.

It remains to be seen if Mikel Arteta’s side will match Dortmund’s asking price, although former Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann believes that a move to north London won’t take place if Adeyemi’s off-field issues continue to persist.

© IMAGO - Karim Adeyemi, Borussia Dortmund

Karim Adeyemi transfer warning

“These indiscipline issues have crept in over the last few weeks. If he doesn't want to be substituted, he should go play tennis or golf,” Hamann told Sky Sports Germany.

“I understand why Kehl is so fed up with him. Every week, every other week, something comes out of his mouth. And he's really not that good. If he were scoring everything, 25 goals or more, then I'd say: 'Do what you want.' But he's just not that good.”

Hamann added: “He has a huge market in England. But they won't even look at him in England if he doesn't grow up. It's up to him to show Dortmund - or whoever he wants to go to - that he's mature. Despite these escapades, he plays very good football.”

Adeyemi, who has scored six goals and provided three assists this season, has 18 months remaining on his current contract at Dortmund, while his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) stands at €43.1m.

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