DORTMUND, GERMANY - JUNE 27: Julian Brandt of Dortmund runs with the ball during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim at Signal Iduna Park on June 27, 2020 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Martin Rose/Getty Images)
According to Daily Mail, Arsenal are looking at Julian Brandt of Borussia Dortmund. The Gunners are thought to have cooled down their interest in long-term target Houssem Aouar. It is being said that Brandt has caught the eye of Arsenal despite not being in the best form for this season.
Julian Brandt came through the academies of SC Borgfeld, FC Oberneuland and VfL Wolfsburg. Brandt made his senior debut for Leverkusen in 2014 and went on to establish himself as one of the key players at the club, accumulating 42 goals and 51 assists from 215 appearances in all competitions.
He moved to Borussia Dortmund last season and enjoyed a prolific start there. However, with so much competition there, he has somewhat failed to hit the mark this season. In 64 appearances for Borussia Dortmund, he has scored 8 goals and assisted 14.
A regular for Germany at all youth levels, Brandt has won a total of 35 caps at the senior international level, helping his nation to victory in the 2017 Confederations Cup and also featuring at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
It’s no secret at this point that Arsenal have struggled massively this season in the league. They have lost 8 out of their 16 games and have managed to score 16 times only. It was even worse before they snared off an unlikely win against Chelsea.
A brief look will tell you that Arsenal’s creativity issues have stemmed from their midfield. None of the players can be deemed as creative midfielders or No.10s. They can provide defensive stability to the side but that’s it.
Essentially a right-footed left-winger, Brandt has been used to good effect on either flank, as well as in central midfield and attacking midfield roles through the middle.
Brandt may not be the most prolific in front of goal but it is his playmaking abilities that one should focus on. It should also be considered that he is just 24 years of age and has room to improve.
At Arsenal, he would very likely feature through the middle given the dearth of creative midfielders. That is perhaps his best position and Arsenal would do well to benefit from that.
With the whole Houssem Aouar deal going nowhere, Arsenal are right to turn their attention to the Borussia Dortmund starlet. He can be a sure starter for this Gunners side and very likely ease some of their creativity and goalscoring problems.