Why UEFA rules mean Arsenal could face Ethan Nwaneri in Champions League clash

Arsenal cannot stop Ethan Nwaneri playing against them in Champions League

The loan is designed to provide the 19 year-old with regular first-team football experience in a tenured club.

Arsenal met Dortmund earlier this summer in the pre-season, as Nwaneri got himself a goal despite the German side defeating the Gunners.

UEFA eligibility regulations prevent Arsenal from blocking their young talent from facing them when Borussia Dortmund visit the Emirates in their scheduled Champions League draw.

This creates a high-stakes scenario where Nwaneri is clear to play against Arsenal when Dortmund travel to London in November following the league phase draw. 

One famous case that recounts similar events was when Philippe Coutinho scored against its parent club, Barcelona, while on loan at Bayern, eliminating the Spanish club in the making.

Borussia Dortmund offered to buy the player at the end of the season, a clause Arsenal did not accept as they still see a lot of potential in the young winger.

Nwaneri, who just came back from a half-season loan from Marseille, will aim to up his stats from the 2 goals and one assist in 9 games when playing for the Ligue 1 side. 

Mikel Arteta hopes that the Dortmund loan will give Nwaneri the exposure and growth necessary for him to find a full-time starting role for the following season.