Transfer News: Arsenal reignite interest in Julian Brandt

Arsenal have once again entered the market for Borussia Dortmund star Julian Brandt, who is valued at around €25 million.

Arsenal are in the market for a new playmaker this summer. Mikel Arteta has already scattered through various options in the market and according to a report from Transfermarkt, as relayed by Transfer Market Web, they have renewed their interest in the services of Julian Brandt.

The Borussia Dortmund midfielder was a target for Arsenal earlier in the year. But reports had died down after the Gunners managed to secure a deal for Real Madrid’s Martin Odegaard. Although Arsenal are actively trying to sign the Norwegian international, it appears the idea of signing Brandt has once again been floated, perhaps as a cost-effective alternative.

Indeed, Real Madrid value Odegaard at €50 million, which is exactly double Brandt’s current valuation at Dortmund. However, the German international has gone through a steady decline since joining the Black and Yellow in 2019.

Once regarded as the future of German football, Brandt was brought in as a potential long-term replacement for Marco Reus. But in the two years, he has struggled to compete with the likes of Jadon Sancho, Mahmoud Dahoud, Thorgan Hazard and Giovanni Reyna for a place in the first-team, ending up becoming a bit-part player under Lucien Favre.

The former Bayer Leverkusen prodigy notably made just 17 starts last season, scoring only two goals. His lack of consistency, therefore, makes him a risky target for Arsenal, though the Gunners have entertained a similar level of a gamble by also expressing the desire to sign Real Madrid outcast Isco.

It appears Arsenal are genuinely struggling to attract in-demand players due to the financial restraints as well as their lack of participation in European football. James Maddison, for one, was tipped to make the switch to the Emirates, but that move has fallen through, as his exorbitant price-tag makes him an unaffordable target.

The north London giants have recently brought in Ben White from Brighton & Hove Albion. But attempting to sign a top player like Odegaard might require additional funding which is where fringe players like Lucas Torreira, Hector Bellerin and Alexandre Lacazette could play a key role, with the latter valued at around €18 million by Arsenal.

Not to mention, Arsenal are also on the hunt for a new forward, including Tammy Abraham. Therefore, offloading players that are surplus to requirements could be vital as Mikel Arteta still hopes for a major turnover in the teamsheet next season. As for Brandt, it remains to be seen if Arsenal are prepared to shell out €25 million to land the German midfielder this summer.