Arsenal Rejects Dortmund’s €35 Million Bid for Young Talent Ethan Nwaneri
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Arsenal reportedly turned down a €35 million offer from Borussia Dortmund for Ethan Nwaneri last summer. However, the Bundesliga club remains hopeful of securing the talented 19-year-old.
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Recent reports indicate that Dortmund continues to monitor Nwaneri’s situation, which has gained attention following a mixed loan spell at Marseille during the 2025/26 campaign.
According to German reports, Dortmund managing director Lars Ricken was willing to increase the offer beyond €35 million last summer, but the move faltered. Nwaneri instead secured his future with Arsenal by signing a new long-term contract until 2030.
Nwaneri has expressed a desire to establish himself with the Premier League side, especially with the potential departure of Leandro Trossard creating space in the squad. However, the addition of Christos Tzolis has intensified competition for attacking roles.
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Current reports highlight that RB Leipzig are in advanced discussions with Arsenal regarding a permanent transfer, alongside interest from AC Milan.
Valuations range from approximately €35 million to €40 million, while Arsenal is reportedly seeking a buy-back clause valued between €55 million and €60 million if they agree to part with him.
This arrangement would allow Nwaneri to gain regular first-team experience while providing Arsenal the option to repurchase him if his development warrants it.
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Alongside Leipzig and Milan, Dortmund remains invested in Nwaneri’s developments, while Chelsea, Juventus, Fulham, and Everton have shown interest at different points, though no substantive offers have emerged from these clubs.
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Arsenal’s stance remains clear. The club does not consider Nwaneri off the market, however, they have not made any official commitment to sell him.
Earlier information attributed to Fabrizio Romano noted that no final decision has been communicated to either Nwaneri or his representatives, indicating that Arsenal still needs to determine whether he should stay, go on loan, or leave permanently.
Currently, the most consistent rumor involves a potential permanent transfer featuring a buy-back clause, but there are no confirmed deals in place with any interested parties.
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Borussia Dortmund remain interested in the academy graduate, while Arsenal continue to weigh up the best long-term path for one of their brightest young talents.
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images
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.
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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.
According to reports in Germany, Dortmund managing director Lars Ricken was prepared to pay more than €35 million for Nwaneri in the summer of 2025 before the move stalled and the England youth international instead committed his future to Arsenal by signing a new long-term contract, reportedly until 2030.
It is claimed Nwaneri wants to establish himself with the Premier League champions and that Leandro Trossard‘s departure could create an opening, although the arrival of Christos Tzolis has increased competition in attacking areas.
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.
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Despite Arsenal’s previous refusal to sell, interest in Nwaneri has continued to grow across Europe.
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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.
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Alongside Leipzig and 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.
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Arsenal’s position appears unchanged. The club are not treating Nwaneri as untouchable, but neither have they publicly committed to selling him.
Earlier reports attributed to Fabrizio Romano suggested no final decision had been communicated to either the player or his representatives, with Arsenal yet to decide whether his best next step is to remain at the club, leave on loan or depart permanently.
For now, a permanent transfer including a buy-back clause remains the most persistent rumour, but there is still no confirmed agreement with any interested club.
Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images
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