Arsenal's hunt for Dortmund prodigy intensifies as midfield gaps widen

Arsenal are keen to plug a midfield void after injury scares and a 3‑0 loss to Brighton, and Mikel Arteta has set his sights on Borussia Dortmund’s 15‑year‑old wonderkid Justin Ejodamen, hailed as the Next Bellingham, while 17 Gunners were on international duty this week in football.

International showcase and injury concerns

Sport senior Sports journalist Kasra Moradi reported that an impressive 17 Arsenal players were selected to represent their nations during the recent international break.

Among them, Mikel Merino, Viktor Gyokeres and Bukayo Saka shone, with Saka netting a brace in England's 7‑0 win over Croatia on Saturday.

The performances have bolstered the Gunners' confidence ahead of their next fixtures.

Martin Odegaard appears to have recovered from Bernardo Silva's rogue challenge, but Christos Tzolis and Kai Havertz may still face late fitness tests before the Gunners' return to Premier League action.

These concerns add pressure on Arteta to reinforce the squad, underscoring the urgency of a new signing.

Arsenal suffered a shock 3‑0 defeat to Brighton before the break.

They travel to Leeds United on Saturday, hoping to put things right.

Justin Ejodamen: potential and obstacles

Arsenal are reportedly serious contenders to sign Borussia Dortmund wonderkid Justin Ejodamen, a 15‑year‑old midfielder dubbed the Next Bellingham.

International break leaves Premier League clubs bruised by injuries

The teenager's profile has drawn comparisons with Jude Bellingham, who joined Dortmund as a 17‑year‑old.

European heavyweights AC Milan and Juventus monitor him, while Barcelona lead the chase, and English clubs Chelsea and Arsenal also express interest.

Ejodamen will not be eligible for an English club until 2029, as he only turns 16 in April, after which EU clubs may sign him.

Dortmund remain confident of retaining the prodigy, relying on their reputation for developing world‑class talent.

Born in Germany, he currently represents Italy at youth level and is also eligible for Nigeria.

In a separate deal, 26‑year‑old Fabio Vieira completed a deadline‑day transfer to Hamburg after Arsenal accepted a reduced fee of £8.6million.

Spanish manager Arteta signs long‑term deal as Arsenal hail unique bond

Vieira, who spent last season on loan at the German club, said the final two or three days were quite intense, adding he was nervous about the outcome.

View the three images released of his signing, and the Gunners confirmed the move was finalised.

OUR ARSENAL recruitment team will continue to monitor Ejodamen's development, aware that the EU signing window opens only after his birthday.

The club hopes to address midfield depth before the next Premier League clash, while the departure of Vieira frees up space in the squad.