Ethan Nwaneri makes instant impact after completing Arsenal transfer in stunning turnaround
Ethan Nwaneri made quite the impact on his Borussia Dortmund debut after signing on loan from Arsenal(Image: (Photo by Alexandre Simoes/Borussia Dortmund via Getty Images))
Arsenal loanee Ethan Nwaneri provided the cross that led to Borussia Dortmund's winning goal in a sensational comeback victory over Hoffenheim on Saturday. The 19-year-old's new loan club found themselves two goals behind with 54 minutes played but were able to score three times in the final half an hour to claim the win.
An injury to Filippo Mane after just 32 minutes saw Nwaneri prematurely introduced for his debut. Hoffenheim scored almost immediately before and after half-time to take control but the clash was level again midway through the second period after goals from Serhou Guirassy and Fabio Silva.
Nwaneri looked set for a quiet first appearance in yellow and black but with five minutes left on the clock, it was his probing low cross that Albian Hajdari inadvertently turned into his own net.
Sky's Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle includes at least 215 live Premier League clashes across the 2026/27 season, with more than 1,500 games from the EFL and beyond, plus F1, golf and darts.
This introductory offer saves £384 compared to the standard price, with every package also providing 100 regular channels alongside free Netflix and discovery+ subscriptions.
In front of the away support, Nwaneri buoyantly celebrated with his new teammates and his final third impact could see him become a starting XI regular in Niko Kovac's side. The early change actually forced him to make a tactical tweak with Nwaneri replacing a defender and picking up central areas.
His preference to play in midfield has been a key factor in the last two big decisions on his future. He was allowed to join Marseille on a temporary basis back in January but that spell ended up being disastrous.
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
Nwaneri's future appeared uncertain last month but Arsenal ended up deciding that another loan move would be the best route to take. There was interest from AC Milan and Premier League teams but it was Dortmund who won the race for his signature with a clause included that allows Arsenal to recall him in January if needed.
With many of Arsenal's key players going far in the World Cup, Nwaneri featured prominently in pre-season and impressed Arteta.
"He's been really good," the Arsenal boss said after the draw against Como. "Probably what happened on the field, on his loan in Marseille, wasn't what was expected. There was a lot of noise and change around the club. But he looks different. He looks more mature. He's incredible at that. It's what six months can do to you.
Mikel Arteta spoke fondly of Ethan Nwaneri before his loan move to Borussia Dortmund was confirned
"It's a different experience on board to be on your own, to go through tough times and just to witness that there's another part of football that you have to be good enough to cope with. I'm very happy with what he's done in pre-season."
Arteta soon welcomed Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, Eberechi Eze and Martin Odegaard back into the fold which hugely decreased the prospect of regular minutes for Nwaneri. The arrival of Bruno Guimaraes further deteriorated his chances of playing.
A temporary switch to Dortmund, assuming he has a prominent role, is arguably the best move for his career given the German club's ability to help develop young players.
If the teenager impresses, Arsenal will have a big decision next summer over whether to try and integrate him into the first-team or sell for a premium fee given his stock will be high. The latter is arguably the more appealing option given his sale would count as so-called pure profit in terms of the Premier League's financial rules.
Choose Football London as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.
