Julian Brandt clear on best position as Arsenal hopes get big double lift

Mikel Arteta has been given a clear path to signing Julian Brandt for Arsenal amid claims in Germany that he is nudging closer to a summer transfer to the Gunners.

Borussia Dortmund schemer Brandt is a familiar name to Arsenal fans. The 24-year-old has been a reported target for the Gunners for a number of years and 2021 has been no different. There was speculation heading into the winter transfer window that Brandt could end up at Arsenal. Mikel Arteta was looked for more creativity and the German midfielder was one of their options.

Dortmund, though, refused to entertain a January sale and Arsenal switched their focus to signing Martin Odegaard on loan from Real Madrid.

However, with Odegaard likely to return to Real Madrid, reports in Germany believe a move to Arsenal finally look on the cards.

Now, according to BILD, Dortmund have informed the Gunners that Brandt can move on for just €25m (£21m) this summer. Furthermore, they state that incoming Dortmund head coach Marco Rose willing to sacrifice the 24-year-old. They state he’s looks unlikely to figure in his plans and will be made available for transfer.

And that will grant Arsenal the chance to land the long-term target and ready-made replacement for Odegaard.

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Brandt has three years left on his contract following his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen in 2019.

The Germany international has just three goals and two assists this season. While he has made 41 appearances, the majority have come off the bench. As such, it’s also believed he’s willing to move on to reignite his stuttering career.

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Brandt names his best position

While Brandt can play in a variety of positions across the frontline, the 35-times capped German has outlined his preferred role.

He has operated on the left wing, as a deep-lying forward and as and out-and-out striker during his time in the Bundesliga.

However, speaking back in December 2019, he stated how he prefers to operate as a No 10.

“For me, it’s optimal. I feel really good there,” he told SportBILD. “I waited a long time to be able to show what I can do in the middle.

“When I played up top, I was also in a central position, but playing as a striker wasn’t easy for me. I’m not a player like Romelu Lukaku.

“I wouldn’t say I was in a slump before, but I sense that I’m on my way back to my old strength and feel really good on the pitch.”

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