Arsenal are interested in bringing Julian Brandt to the Emirates Stadium as a free agent in the summer of 2026, according to a German source.
Andrea Berta will face competition from Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United. Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze are the two recognised attacking midfielders in the current Arsenal squad at the moment, but, like all major clubs, the Gunners are always on the lookout for more talent.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is particularly keen on constantly making the squad better, and it seems that he has found yet another gem to add to manager Mikel Arteta’s collection at the Emirates Stadium.
According to Sky Germany journalist Patrick Berger, Arsenal are keeping tabs on the situation of Brandt. The attacking midfielder will leave Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season and will become a free agent, with Arsenal among the clubs keen on snapping him up.
Barcelona are also said to be monitoring the 29-year-old Germany international, who has scored 56 goals and given 69 assists in 298 appearances for Dortmund so far in his career.
Berger wrote on X at 6:51pm on March 9, 2026: “Arsenal and Barcelona are among the clubs monitoring the situation of Julian Brandt, who will be a free agent this summer.”
Julian Brandt wants Premier League move after Dortmund exit
“After seven years with Borussia Dortmund, Brandt wants to take the next step abroad, with Spain, Italy and the UK considered potential destinations. There are no concrete talks with any club yet. Interesting: Brandt received two inquiries from Premier League clubs during the winter transfer window but turned them down as he wanted to finish the season with #BVB. Interesting one to watch for summer … @SkySportDE”
Brandt is at the top of his game, and given that he would not cost a transfer fee, the German would be a bargain signing for Arsenal and would enhance the creative output for Arteta. His experience and technical quality make him an attractive proposition for clubs looking to strengthen their attacking options without significant financial outlay.
Tottenham and Newcastle join Arsenal in Brandt race
As per recent report from TEAMtalk, Arsenal are not the only Premier League club that are keen on a bargain deal for Brandt. Transfer insider Graeme Bailey has reported interest in Brandt from Aston Villa, Newcastle and Tottenham, too. Dortmund have been trying to convince the attacking midfielder to sign a new deal, but he has decided that it is now time to move on.
The former Bayer Leverkusen star is keen to test himself in the Premier League. The Premier League is Brandt’s preferred destination, but there is interest in him from clubs in the Saudi Pro League and in Major League Soccer, as well.
Andrea Berta eyes free transfer masterclass
Arsenal’s interest in Brandt demonstrates Berta’s continued focus on maximizing value in the transfer market. Signing a player of Brandt’s caliber without paying a transfer fee would represent excellent business. The German’s versatility allows him to operate in multiple attacking positions, providing Arteta with tactical flexibility.
Competition from Premier League rivals complicates Arsenal’s pursuit. Tottenham, Newcastle and Aston Villa all possess the financial resources to offer competitive contracts. Brandt must weigh his options carefully, considering which club offers the best chance of success and playing time. Arsenal’s current position as Premier League leaders and their quadruple challenge could prove decisive in convincing him to choose the Emirates Stadium over other destinations during the summer transfer window.
