Arsenal have begun planning for the summer transfer window, with Mikel Arteta looking to add further depth to a squad currently struggling on all fronts.
Julian Brandt to leave Borussia Dortmund this summer (Image: Vitalii Kliuiev/Getty Images)
Arsenal have joined Barcelona in the race to sign Julian Brandt on a free transfer. It was announced on Saturday that Brandt, 29, will leave Borussia Dortmund when his contract expires in June.
His potential has attracted attention from several clubs, with Aston Villa also interested in signing the attacking midfielder. It was now clear that Arsenal were in the frame.
Sky Germany claim that Brandt is seeking a move abroad for the first time in his career, with Arsenal interested. However, manager Mikel Arteta will need to persuade the player to ignore Barcelona, who are also reportedly keen.
The Dortmund star speaks fluent Spanish and is said to have a Catalan girlfriend, making the idea of a move to Barça, where he works under former Germany manager Hansi Flick, particularly appealing. Arsenal are likely to offer a similar amount to Brandt’s annual salary of 8 million euros (approximately 690 million yen), as well as a large signing bonus.
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As it stands, Arsenal and Barcelona are yet to approach Jurgen, the German’s agent and father. Brandt was the subject of bids from two unknown English clubs in the January transfer window, but he turned them all down, with Dortmund hoping to persuade Brandt to sign a new contract.
The Bundesliga giants had hoped to lower his annual salary in the 29-year-old’s new contract. However, as Dortmund’s sporting chief executive Lars Ricken admitted after Saturday’s 2-1 away win against Cologne, there was no interest in Brandt.
“There was an open discussion and both sides agreed not to extend the expiring contract,” Ricken said after the game. “He has played hundreds of games for Borussia Dortmund and I think we have nothing but gratitude to him.
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Barcelona are reportedly first choice for Julian Brandt (Image: Alexandre Simoes/Borussia Dortmund via Getty Images)
“He played for us for seven years, sometimes looked at critically. He also provided an assist today. I think he will turn 30 in a few weeks and we can reevaluate things. So this could be an opportunity for both sides.”
“I believe we ultimately came to an agreement and parted ways with great respect. However, this also represents a new opportunity for both of us.”
Brandt joined Dortmund from Bayer Leverkusen in 2019 and helped the club win the DFB Pokal in his second season. He was also part of the Dortmund team that reached the 2024 Champions League final.
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