Reports suggest that both Arsenal and Tottenham are interested in signing Borussia Dortmund attacking midfielder Julian Brandt in the summer transfer window. The 26-year-old has had a stunning season so far for the German side, contributing nine goals and five assists in 30 games across all competitions. He has helped BVB reach second place in the Bundesliga table, with the club only behind Bayern Munich on goal difference.
According to Bild, both Arsenal and Spurs are preparing a summer bid for Brandt as they look to bolster their attacking options. However, Dortmund is resistant to losing the Germany international and is trying to persuade him to sign a new contract at the club. Brandt’s contract will expire in the summer of 2024, which could force the German club into making a decision at the end of the season or risk losing him for nothing the following year.
Brandt reportedly wants to move to the Premier League, particularly to a London club, as one of his closest friends Kai Havertz at Chelsea has told him about life in the capital. His dazzling displays have coincided with a stretch of incredible form from Dortmund, who have won all of their ten games since the World Cup concluded – including a 1-0 victory over Chelsea in the Champions League.
Club director Sebastian Kehl has admitted he has been blown away by Brandt’s performance and is keen for him to stay at the Signal Iduna Park. He said: “We see Julian’s development every day. He has taken a giant step forward – and we are very happy about that. I am of course familiar with the contract situation and we are approaching the subject very positively and calmly.”
Whether Brandt signs for Arsenal or Tottenham remains to be seen with both clubs in very different positions. The Gunners are five points clear at the top of the Premier League and are hoping to win a first title in 19 years, but their starting XI looks set in stone under Mikel Arteta. Skipper Martin Odegaard is the club’s first choice attacking midfielder with Fabio Vieira backing him up, while Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus, when fit, are the front three.
At Tottenham, the situation is somewhat more unclear with boss Antonio Conte yet to extend his contract beyond the summer. Meanwhile, they know they have to replace Lucas Moura with Spurs also having a decision to make at whether they turn Arnaut Danjuma’s temporary stay into a permanent switch. Harry Kane faces an uncertain future with his deal up in 2024, while Heung-min Son and Richarlison have flattered to deceive so far this season.
In conclusion, it remains to be seen whether Brandt will move to Arsenal or Tottenham in the summer transfer window. However, his impressive performances for Borussia Dortmund have caught the attention of both clubs, who are looking to bolster their attacking options. Dortmund is keen to keep hold of Brandt and is trying to persuade him to sign a new contract at the club.