Arsenal Reject €35m Dortmund Bid for Ethan Nwaneri
Arsenal reportedly rejected a €35 million bid from Borussia Dortmund for Ethan Nwaneri last summer, but the Bundesliga club have not given up hope of eventually taking the highly rated youngster to Germany. The latest reports suggest Dortmund remain keen admirers of the 19-year-old, whose future has become the subject of growing speculation after a mixed loan spell at Marseille during the 2025/26 campaign.
Why it matters for Arsenal
The Gunners are weighing up the best long-term path for Nwaneri, who has been linked with several European clubs. The reports suggest his immediate future should become clearer during August, which isn't really a stretch given that's the final month of the window.
What comes next?
Alongside RB Leipzig and AC Milan, Dortmund remain attentive to the situation, while Chelsea, Juventus, Fulham, and Everton have also been linked at various stages, although there is no indication any of those clubs have submitted an advanced proposal. Arsenal's position appears unchanged. The club are not treating Nwaneri as untouchable, but neither have they publicly committed to selling him.
The strongest recent reports indicate RB Leipzig have held advanced talks with Arsenal over a permanent transfer, while AC Milan have also made contact. Suggested valuations range from around €35 million to €40 million, with Arsenal reportedly seeking a buy-back clause worth between €55 million and €60 million should they agree to sell. That structure would allow Nwaneri to secure regular first-team football while giving Arsenal the option to bring him back if his development accelerates.
Arsenal's League Standing
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 1st in Premier League, 85 pts, 26W-7D-5L from 38 games, recent form WWWWW. Goals this season: 71 scored, 27 conceded (+44 goal difference). Lead at the top: 7 points clear of Manchester City. Last result: Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal (2026-05-24). Recent form (last 5): 5W-0D-0L (WWWWW, most recent first); on a 5-game winning run. Next fixture: vs Coventry (at home, 2026-08-21). Currently sidelined: Louie Copley, Ben White.
