Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra
Arsenal are in talks with Borussia Dortmund over a late loan move for talented playmaker Ethan Nwaneri, GIVEMESPORT sources understand.
The Gunners have had a strong summer transfer window after winning the Premier League and reaching the Champions League final last season, bringing in Christos Tzolis, Bruno Guimaraes, and Ezri Konsa as outfield additions to the squad alongside backup goalkeeper Illan Meslier.
But the north London side are also keen to add a forward to the squad before the transfer window closes on Tuesday night at 11pm, having seen Gabriel Martinelli depart for Al Hilal and Gabriel Jesus on the verge of a move to Barcelona.
Despite those exits, Nwaneri was left out of the Arsenal squad for their Premier League clash with Aston Villa tonight, and GMS understands talks are now ongoing about a move to the Bundesliga.
Dortmund are already in conversations with the club and player about getting a deal done before the transfer deadline, with the window closing in Germany at 19:00 UK time.
Arsenal were considering a sale of the forward earlier in the transfer window, but have decided a loan would be the best option as the player only signed a new long-term contract last summer, and is still rated highly internally at the Emirates Stadium.
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Nwaneri made his debut for the Gunners as a 15-year-old but has fallen down the pecking order in recent years under Mikel Arteta, with 16-year-old sensation Max Dowman now ahead of him, as well as the likes of Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, and Martin Odegaard in his favoured positions.
The England youth international spent the second half of last season on loan in Ligue 1 with Marseille, and started well under Roberto De Zerbi, before a change of manager saw his first-team minutes restricted.
'Phenomenal' Nwaneri a Huge Talent
Olympique de Marseille's Ethan Nwaneri in action vs RC Lens
Nwaneri burst onto the scene as a youthful teenager with a wonderful left foot, and the 19-year-old has shown his talent whenever he has been given the opportunity.
Regular football is something that he needs to continue his development, with talkSPORT commentator Kevin Hatchard describing him as 'phenomenal' and comparing him to the likes of Lamine Yamal.
“He is a phenomenal young player,” he said.
“They are all guys who look like they’ve done it for 15 years and he’s absolutely one of them. They don’t play with fear, they don’t play with any trepidation whatsoever. They absolutely grasp the opportunity.”