Arsenal Closely Monitoring German Star Julian Brandt After Major Transfer Announcement
Arsenal are reportedly mulling over a potential free transfer move for Julian Brandt, following the confirmation that the German attacker will depart Borussia Dortmund at the end of the current season. Brandt, aged 29, joined Dortmund in a €25 million deal from Bayer Leverkusen back in 2019 and has since made 298 appearances across all competitions for the club.
Brandt's Impressive Record and Departure Details
During his tenure at Dortmund, Brandt has accumulated 56 goals and 69 assists, with his only major silverware being the DFB-Pokal triumph in 2021. As he approaches a milestone 300th appearance, Brandt aims to conclude his seven-year stint at Westfalenstadion on a high note. Borussia Dortmund's sporting director, Lars Ricken, publicly acknowledged the decision after a recent match, stating, "After open talks, we agreed that the contract set to expire would not be renewed." Ricken expressed gratitude for Brandt's contributions, highlighting his consistent performance and numbers over the years.
Arsenal's Interest and Transfer Strategy
According to reports from Sky Deutschland, Brandt's departure is "concrete" and irreversible, making him a free agent upon the conclusion of the 2025/26 campaign. The attacking midfielder, who is fluent in Spanish and has a Spanish girlfriend, is reportedly keen on a move overseas, with England, Italy, and Spain all appealing as potential destinations. Arsenal, in particular, are said to be closely monitoring developments, having previously shown strong interest in the versatile Germany international. After investing approximately £250 million in new signings last summer, the Premier League leaders are now focusing on acquiring out-of-contract talent to further strengthen Mikel Arteta's squad for the upcoming season.
Potential Challenges and Squad Role
However, it is suggested that Brandt may need to accept a bit-part squad role rather than a regular starting position if he joins a top club like Arsenal or Barcelona. Despite this, there have been no formal discussions from potential suitors yet, though Brandt did receive "two concrete offers" from the Premier League in January 2025. Meanwhile, Dortmund are already exploring replacements, with former fan favorite Jadon Sancho identified as a possible target, although there are "critical voices" within the club regarding his potential to regain top form.
Brandt's Assurance to Fans and Future Plans
Before the official announcement, Brandt reassured Dortmund fans that speculation about his future would not "drag on," emphasizing that it was a carefully considered decision. With 48 caps for the German national team, Brandt's experience and skill set make him an attractive prospect for clubs looking to enhance their attacking options without a transfer fee. As the summer transfer window approaches, Arsenal's pursuit of Brandt could become a key storyline, reflecting their strategic approach to building a competitive squad for the future.
