Latest reports from The Sun state that Arsenal are exploring the possibility of a move for Borussia Dortmund starlet Julian Brandt in January as Mikel Arteta desperately seeks players who can add depth and creativity to his midfield.
Earlier this month, 20-year-old Dominik Szoboszlai rejected a move to the North London club as he opted to join RB Leipzig instead, and now long term target Houssem Aouar seems to have slipped down (access requires paid subscription) their shortlist due to several ‘reservations’ that have emerged over the past few months.
As a result, the Gunners have now set their eyes on the ex-Leverkusen star despite him starting only six league games this season. The 24-year-old midfielder is facing fierce competition for a regular place in Dortmund’s starting eleven from some prodigious teenagers, and the thought of being a key man in Arteta’s side can certainly excite him.
What Will He Bring To The Table?
The 2018/19 Bundesliga season saw the stellar rise of Julian Brandt as he ended up bagging seven goals and fourteen assists in 33 league appearances for the Eternal Bridesmaids.
Following the sensational spell, Brandt joined Dortmund in the summer of 2019 for a fee of around £23 million and went on to contribute three goals and eight assists in his first campaign for the black and yellows. However, the German star has been struggling this season, netting just one goal in 22 outings across all competitions.
Talking of his strengths, the German international’s versatility to play across the midfield is something every manager dreams of. Predominantly a left-winger, he also possesses the ability to slot in as an attacking midfielder or a right-winger if needed. Furthermore, the deadly combination of physical strength, pace, and dribbling techniques help him take complete control over the area he’s playing in, thereby making chance creation and conversion easier for his teammates up ahead. Flipping over to the defensive side of his game, this is probably the only aspect that makes Brandt look less appealing as he is often known for carelessly losing his aerial and ground duels thereby leaving the backline exposed to sudden counter-attacks. Nonetheless, the bright side of his game certainly overshadows the liabilities, and it’ll be an understatement to say that Arsenal’s midfield is crying out for a scene-stealer like him.
Should Arteta Go In For Him?
The Spanish tactician has had fallouts with way too many players this season – Mesut Ozil (special case), Lucas Torreira, and Matteo Guendouzi being some of them. Apart from that, summer signing Thomas Partey has been sidelined due to an unfortunate thigh injury. The makeshift midfield has been struggling to create chances for the front-men, as a result of which Arsenal find themselves struggling just two spots above the relegation zone with nearly half the season gone.
Julian Brandt’s move to the Emirates will mean that he instantly establishes himself as a prominent figure in the dressing room and given their current circumstances, the Arsenal board should be looking forward to getting this deal done as soon as possible.
(Stats from WhoScored)
