Former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira has reportedly urged Mikel Arteta to consider bringing Ethan Nwaneri back to the Emirates if Arsenal require additional attacking options during the season.
Nwaneri joined Borussia Dortmund on loan from Arsenal in September after the Gunners decided that regular first-team football in Germany would be beneficial for his development. The 19-year-old midfielder is spending the 2026/27 campaign with the Bundesliga club, but Arsenal reportedly included a recall option that could allow them to bring him back during the January transfer window.
The decision to send Nwaneri out on loan came after the youngster found it difficult to secure regular minutes at Arsenal. Competition for attacking positions has increased, leaving the England Under-21 international facing another season where consistent playing time could have been difficult to guarantee.
However, Vieira believes the situation could change quickly if Arsenal experience injuries or require greater depth in the second half of the campaign.
Nwaneri has already demonstrated his ability to compete at senior level. He became the youngest player in Premier League history when he made his Arsenal debut at just 15 years, five months and 28 days. Since then, he has continued to develop through senior football, including a loan spell at Marseille during the second half of the previous season.
His move to Dortmund represents another important stage in that development. The German club specifically described him as a technically gifted midfielder when announcing the loan and brought him in after Giannis Konstantelias suffered a serious injury.
For Vieira, however, the priority should ultimately remain Arsenal’s needs.
If Arteta’s squad suffers a number of injuries or lacks creativity in attacking areas, recalling Nwaneri could provide the manager with an additional option without having to enter the January transfer market for another player.
The youngster is capable of operating in several attacking positions, giving Arteta tactical flexibility. His ability to play from wide areas or centrally could become particularly useful during a demanding second half of the season when Arsenal may be competing on multiple fronts.
There is also the question of Nwaneri’s development. While playing regularly for Dortmund could benefit him enormously, returning to Arsenal and competing for a first-team place could provide another important step in his progression.
Arsenal have made it clear through the structure of the Dortmund deal that Nwaneri remains part of their long-term plans. Dortmund’s loan agreement does not include a purchase option, while reports indicate that Arsenal have retained the ability to recall him in January.
That means Arteta will have a decision to make if circumstances change.
For now, Nwaneri’s focus is on establishing himself in Germany and gaining valuable senior experience. Dortmund offers him the opportunity to play at a high level and continue developing his confidence and tactical understanding.
But if Arsenal require another attacking midfielder in January, the recall option could become important.
Vieira’s reported position highlights a wider debate surrounding young players at elite clubs: whether they should remain away on loan to gain regular football or return to compete for a place when the parent club needs them.
For Nwaneri, the next few months at Dortmund could determine the answer. If he performs strongly and continues his development, Arsenal may have an exciting option waiting for them when the January window arrives.
