Tom Olver
Published November 24, 2025 3:42pm
Updated November 24, 2025 3:42pm
Share this article via whatsappShare this article via xCopy the link to this article.Link is copiedShare this article via facebook
Comment now
Comments
Arsenal are reportedly the frontrunners in the race for Borussia Dortmund star Karim Adeyemi (Picture: Getty)
Karim Adeyemi has reportedly informed Borussia Dortmund that his ideal club would be Arsenal should he up sticks and seek a new challenge next summer.
The 23-year-old winger is soon to enter into the final 18 months of his current contract with Dortmund and speculation is mounting that this season could be his last at Westfalenstadion.
A number of elite teams across European football are known to be admirers of Adeyemi and the forward’s promising start to the campaign will only have solidified that interest.
The Germany international scored his fourth goal of the season in all competitions in BVB’s thrilling 3-3 draw with Stuttgart at the weekend. He has also chipped in with three assists in the Bundesliga and the Champions League.
According to The Mirror, Manchester United are among the many sides keeping close tabs on Adeyemi’s situation at Dortmund with a view to luring the attacker to the Theatre of Dreams.
Get personalised updates on Manchester United every day
Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro’s Football Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you.
It’s claimed Old Trafford bosses have even sounded out Adeyemi’s representative, Jorge Mendes, to determine whether it would be possible to wrap up a deal in 2026.
However, the report claims the Red Devils ‘are bracing themselves for disappointment’ in the race for Adeyemi given the player himself has picked out Premier League leaders Arsenal as his ‘preferred destination’.
Adeyemi’s contract talks with Dortmund have stalled (Picture: Getty)
United, Chelsea and Arsenal have all been linked with the forward (Picture: Getty)
Adeyemi’s discussions regarding a new contract have ground to a halt and Niko Kovac has grown increasingly resigned to the prospect that he could be without the winger in his squad next season.
Chelsea are also believed to be in the running for Adeyemi’s signature and held talks to sign the BVB star as recently as January, only to focus their attentions on alternative attacking targets.
Dortmund are said to have slapped a £75million price tag on the sought-after German.
A trait that would undoubtedly be appealing to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is Adeyemi’s versatility. Since swapping Red Bull Salzburg for Dortmund back in 2022, he has operated as a No.10 and on either flank.
BVB are demanding a fee of £75m for Adeyemi (Picture: Getty) (Picture: Getty)
The Gunners are well stocked in the attacking areas, though, and Bukayo Saka currently has a stranglehold on the right wing position – Adeyemi’s preferred role.
Adeyemi hit the headlines in Germany for all the wrong reasons earlier this month after he was charged with the possession of two illegal weapons – a knuckleduster and a stun gun.
He later apologised for his ‘huge mistake’ in a lengthy post on Instagram, telling his followers: ‘You have probably seen the headlines about me in the last few days. It is not easy for me to talk about this.
‘At the beginning of 2024, out of carelessness and without really thinking about what I was doing, I ordered a so-called “mystery box” on the internet.
The sought-after attacker is yet to win any silverware with Dortmund (Picture: Getty)
‘It contained items that are not permitted under weapons legislation. Many months later, the package was delivered and ended up unopened at the police station.
‘Nevertheless, it was a huge mistake. One that I am very sorry about, that cost me dearly and that I deeply regret. I know that I am in the public eye and have a role model function. I did not live up to that.
‘That is precisely why it hurts me all the more that I acted so recklessly. I have learned more from this than I can put into words.
‘I promise you that I will avoid such mistakes in the future. Thank you to everyone who still trusts and supports me.’
Despite the bizarre error of judgement, Dortmund head coach Kovac reassured Adeyemi that he would receive the ‘full support’ of the club.
‘It is no reason for me to ban him for the next few weeks,’ Kovac told reporters.
‘I am not his father, but his coach. People should put things into proper perspective.
‘Everything has now been said about it. The focus is clearly on the Bundesliga. He will get our full support for that.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Arrow MORE: Marc Cucurella backs ‘very special’ Chelsea star to emulate Lamine Yamal
Arrow MORE: Arsenal fans loved what Declan Rice screamed at teammates after Eberechi Eze goal against Tottenham
Arrow MORE: Wayne Rooney urges Arne Slot to drop £37m star who is ‘not helping’ Liverpool
Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source Football Newsletter – In The MixerYour guide to the week in football. Exclusive analysis, FPL tips and transfer talk – sign up, it’s an open goal.
Team Expand Options ? Select All Select All Arsenal Arsenal Aston Villa Aston Villa Bournemouth Bournemouth Brighton Brighton Burnley Burnley Chelsea Chelsea Crystal Palace Crystal Palace Everton Everton Fulham Fulham Leeds United Leeds United Liverpool Liverpool Manchester City Manchester City Manchester United Manchester United Newcastle Newcastle Nottingham Forest Nottingham Forest Sunderland Sunderland Tottenham Tottenham West Ham West Ham Wolves Wolves Email I agree to receive newsletters from Metro I agree to receive newsletters from Metro Sign UpSign UpThis site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy
