Arsenal Snub €35m Offer for Ethan Nwaneri
Arsenal have rejected a €35 million bid from Borussia Dortmund for 19-year-old academy graduate Ethan Nwaneri, leaving the player's future shrouded in uncertainty.
The Bundesliga club remains keen on the highly rated youngster, who has been the subject of growing speculation after a mixed loan spell at Marseille during the 2025/26 campaign. Nwaneri has since signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal until 2030, reportedly worth a significant sum.
Nwaneri's immediate future should become clearer during August, as the final month of the transfer window approaches. Despite Arsenal's previous refusal to sell, interest in Nwaneri has continued to grow across Europe, with RB Leipzig and AC Milan also holding talks with the Premier League champions.
RB Leipzig and AC Milan have joined Borussia Dortmund in the pursuit of Nwaneri, with suggested valuations ranging from around €35 million to €40 million. Arsenal reportedly seek a buy-back clause worth between €55 million and €60 million should they agree to sell, allowing Nwaneri to secure regular first-team football while giving the club the option to bring him back if his development accelerates.
The strongest recent reports indicate RB Leipzig have held advanced talks with Arsenal over a permanent transfer, while AC Milan have also made contact. Alongside Leipzig and Milan, Dortmund remain attentive to the situation, while Chelsea, Juventus, Fulham, and Everton have also been linked at various stages.
Arsenal's position appears unchanged, with the club not treating Nwaneri as untouchable but neither having 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.
The future of Nwaneri, who wants to establish himself with the Premier League champions, has become the subject of growing speculation. Leandro Trossard's departure could create an opening, although the arrival of Christos Tzolis has increased competition in attacking areas.
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. With the transfer window drawing to a close, Nwaneri's future should become clearer in the coming weeks.
Source: Yahoo Sports