Arsenal agree Ethan Nwaneri loan deal

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Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Borussia Dortmund have reached an agreement to sign Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri on loan for the duration of the 2026-27 season.

The England U21 international spent the second half of last season on loan at Ligue 1 giants Marseille and after returning to north London in July, he will once again depart the club on a temporary deal.

Nwaneri was an unused substitute during Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Coventry City in their opening game of the new Premier League season, but he was omitted from their matchday squad to face Aston Villa on Monday and a deal has now been finalised with Dortmund.

That is according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who posted on X: “EXCLUSIVE: Borussia Dortmund reach verbal agreement to sign Ethan Nwaneri from Arsenal, here we go!

“Season long loan agreed from Arsenal as Nwaneri said yes to this possibility overnight. BVB sources confirm salary will be entirely covered by the German club.”

Nwaneri was initially keen to fight for his place at Arsenal this season, rather than depart on another loan move, but he has now accepted a temporary transfer to Dortmund, who have moved quickly to secure his signature following an ACL injury suffered by new signing Giannis Konstantelias.

Arsenal set for busy Deadline Day

Nwaneri isn’t the only player set to leave Arsenal on Deadline Day, with Gabriel Jesus on the verge of completing a €10 million move to Barcelona. The transfer has been fully agreed and he was in attendance at Camp Nou to watch the Blaugrana’s 5-2 win over Rayo Vallecano on Monday evening.

When asked about his side’s imminent deal to sign Jesus, Barca boss Hansi Flick told reporters: “I was a little surprised we had the opportunity to get him. I really love him, I like his style to play football, it fits with our style. I think he can help us a lot in the games.

“For us, he can be an important [player], so thanks to [sporting director] Deco because again he made an excellent job.”

Meanwhile, Gabriel Martinelli will join Al-Hilal in a deal worth €70m, although the transfer may not be officially confirmed today as the summer transfer window doesn’t close until October for clubs in Saudi Arabia.

In regards to incomings, Arsenal remain interested in signing Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, who continues to prioritise a move to Barcelona, while they were linked with a surprise move for Lyon winger Malick Fofana on Monday night.