Arsenal are in the picture to bring Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Brandt to the Premier League in the summer.
That’s according to Sky Deutschland, who cover Arsenal’s interest in the 29-year-old.
The Germany international’s contract expires in June and BVB have already announced he will leave as a free agent. In other words, his summer move has been confirmed.
On Monday, Sport Witness covered claims from Germany that Aston Villa could be an option for the attacking midfielder.
The source stated the Bundesliga side decided against renewing a contract that includes an annual salary of €8m. Brandt feels scapegoated for the club’s struggles this season.
Brandt on Arsenal and Barcelona agenda
Sky now claim the player will not only say goodbye to Borussia Dortmund but also to his country after this season.
Having played his entire career in Germany, he ‘wants to go abroad’ in the next window.
Mikel Arteta’s side and Barcelona are among the options as these two sides are keeping a close watch on him. As things stand, Arsenal and the La Liga winners haven’t approached the player or his father, Jürgen, who is also his agent.
If he were to move to the Emirates or the Camp Nou, the report states Brandt won’t be a regular starter.
Julian Brandt
Julian Brandt
January interest from England
According to the report, Brandt received two concrete offers from unnamed English clubs in the winter market. However, BVB didn’t entertain them.
That’s because Borussia Dortmund wanted to extend his contract at a lower salary. It won’t be possible anymore as the attacking midfielder will be leaving the Signal Iduna Park as a free agent.
Sky claim a move to England, Spain or Italy is ‘appealing’ to the player.
Our take: Arsenal need to convince German
According to the report, the BVB star is fluent in Spanish and has a Catalan girlfriend. This would make Barcelona an obvious choice, where he can play under his compatriot, Hansi Flick.
Therefore, Arsenal will have to convince Brandt to pick them over Barcelona or any other club. Arteta’s side may tempt the German by matching his current salary and offer a significant signing on bonus.
Brandt has managed 10 goals and three assists in 1,803 minutes from 32 matches this season.