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Arsenal, Newcastle United 'battling for Julian Brandt'

By Ben Sully | 12 November 2023

Arsenal, Newcastle 'battling for Julian Brandt'

Arsenal and Newcastle United are reportedly both showing an interest in signing Borussia Dortmund playmaker Julian Brandt.

Arsenal and Newcastle United are reportedly interested in Borussia Dortmund playmaker Julian Brandt.

The 27-year-old has spent the last four years at Signal Iduna Park after signing from Bayer Leverkusen in 2019 for around £22m.

During his time with the German giants, Brandt has scored 36 goals and provided 39 assists in 185 games across all competitions.

The Germany international has been in particularly fine form this term, registering six goals and five assists in 16 competitive appearances.

Brandt's impressive performances this season have seemingly caught the attention of two Premier League clubs.

Borussia Dortmund's Julian Brandt celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates on November 7, 2023 © Reuters

According to The Mirror, Arsenal and Newcastle are both interested in signing the attacking midfielder, who has previously been linked with Liverpool.

Arsenal have been keeping tabs on the 27-year-old, while Newcastle have a first-hand account of Brandt's capabilities from Tuesday's Champions League defeat to Dortmund.

Brandt was unavailable for the meeting at St James Park, but he was fit to play a crucial role in the reverse fixture, scoring the second goal in a 2-0 victory at Signal Iduna Park.

This is not the only time that Brandt has been linked with a move to the Premier League, as Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is a long-term admirer.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp pictured on November 5, 2023 © Reuters

Klopp's interest reportedly first started in 2017 when Brandt was still playing for Leverkusen, but the player ultimately remained with die Werkself for another two seasons.

The German's versatility could appeal to a potential buyer, with Brandt able to play as a number 10 or on either flank.

Brandt, who is regarded as a key figure in the Dortmund squad, has a contract with the club until June 2026 after signing an extension last year.

With the Bundesliga club well set to progress to the Champions League knockout rounds, they are unlikely to sanction a sale in the January transfer window.

However, it remains to be seen whether Dortmund would entertain a potential sale at the end of the current campaign.