Borussia Dortmund have cooled their interest in Jadon Sancho, shifting transfer focus toward younger creative talent as sporting director Ole Book recalibrates the club's recruitment strategy. The German giants are now actively pursuing Ethan Nwaneri, the 19-year-old Arsenal midfielder currently on loan at Marseille, as a successor to departing playmaker Julian Brandt.
The tactical shift reflects Dortmund's commitment to their three-man defensive system, which demands a versatile number 10 capable of drifting wide rather than a traditional winger. Book confirmed the club's urgency in addressing the gap: "We all, including the coaching staff, would prefer it if we could make one or two more transfers before the start of pre-season preparation." Sancho, an England international with previous BVB experience, has been placed on hold as Dortmund reassess their long-term requirements.
Nwaneri and Eichhorn Lead Summer Targets
Nwaneri represents an ambitious signing, though negotiations face complexity. Arsenal value the midfielder highly following his 2030 contract extension, and securing another loan arrangement appears unlikely. Despite these hurdles, the Bundesliga club remain hopeful the youngster would entertain a permanent switch to Germany. Dortmund previously pursued Nwaneri without success, but his development at Marseille has reinforced their conviction.
Beyond Nwaneri, Book has set his sights on Hertha Berlin sensation Kennet Eichhorn, a 16-year-old creative prospect attracting attention from Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Bayer Leverkusen. Dortmund possess an advantage through early contact, with Book praising the teenager's abilities: "I do think that he has a certain creativity. We know him well; we like him too." An exit clause valued at €9 million exists, though total acquisition costs—including wages and fees—would substantially exceed that figure.
Financial constraints have tightened following investments in Cruzeiro defender Kaua Prates and Red Bull Salzburg's Joane Gadou, whose deal cost roughly €24 million with bonuses. Still, Book insists Dortmund retain flexibility to strengthen midfield depth, particularly targeting a playmaking defensive midfielder with a different profile from current squad options. The coming weeks will reveal whether the club can execute their ambitious reconstruction before pre-season begins.
