Ethan Nwaneri says Borussia Dortmund's interest moved quickly enough to make the decision feel immediate. The 19-year-old has joined Dortmund on a season-long loan from Arsenal, and he said the switch felt settled within hours once contact was made. He also believes he is better prepared now after his spell at Marseille.

Dortmund's quick move

"As soon as I heard about BVB's interest and a meeting took place, everything developed very quickly. After just a few hours, there were advanced talks taking place behind the scenes. As soon as I learned of their interest, I was ready to leave," Nwaneri told bundesliga.com.

That fits the way Dortmund have started the 2026-27 campaign. They have won four of their last five matches and sit second in the early Bundesliga table, a useful backdrop for a young attacker arriving into a side that already looks settled.

Nwaneri also said his second spell abroad should feel less daunting. "I think it's definitely easier now. The first time, you really leave your comfort zone, it's completely new territory. But now I'm more relaxed, more open, and mentally better prepared. I'm used to it by now."

The Bellingham link

Jobe Bellingham is entering his second season at Dortmund, and Nwaneri said the England youth connection helped. "I've spoken to Jobe in the last few days. He asked: 'What's going on with you?' And I told him that I couldn't really say yet. But we talked a lot. And he kept saying that I should come to BVB. I'm happy that we'll now be playing side by side."

Bellingham has already made one Bundesliga appearance this season, so Nwaneri is walking into a squad where the relationship is live rather than hypothetical. He also added the usual competition line that comes with any new arrival: "I'm here and I'm going to fight for my place in the team. I'm going to give it my all, as much and as well as I can."

Dortmund say he could make his debut at Hoffenheim on Saturday. After a loan spell at Marseille that brought two goals in 11 appearances, the chance to get into a rhythm in Germany feels like the real test now.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →