Julian Brandt issues update on his Borussia Dortmund future amid Arsenal transfer talk
The Germany midfielder has long been linked with a move to Arsenal and he has now provided an honest update on his future at Borussia Dortmund
JoriPress
Mikel Arteta is chasing a creative midfield player this summer as he looks for massive improvement from his Arsenal side next season.
The Gunners kick off the 2021/22 Premier League campaign with a trip to newly-promoted Brentford on August 13 and Arteta will be hopeful of completing a couple more signings before the opening day clash.
So far, Nuno Tavares and Albert Sambi Lokonga have been signed by the north London club but Ben White is expected to be announced very soon as Arsenal's third summer signing.
That will be a full-back, a central midfielder and a centre-back through the door, but Arteta will be hoping to add a new creative player to his ranks as well.
One man that has been linked with Arsenal this summer is Julian Brandt of Borussia Dortmund.
According to a report in May from Bild, via Sport Witness, the Gunners are interested in signing Brandt, who would be open to a new challenge away from Dortmund.
The report also claimed that the Bundesliga club would be willing to accept an offer of around £17.3million for the Germany international.
However, the 25-year-old attacking midfielder, who has just under three years remaining on his contract in Signal Iduna Park, has now insisted he is happy at Dortmund despite the transfer rumours linking him with a move.
Speaking to RTL, Brandt said: "Of course, it's nice when other clubs express interest. But from my side, there has never been any signs that I was thinking about a transfer.
"I don't think I'll be playing anywhere else this year."
Arsenal are determined to bring in someone who can play the number 10 role this summer despite Emile Smith Rowe recently signing a contract extension.
The Gunners are still hopeful they can bring Martin Odegaard back to the Emirates Stadium, football.london understands, after a loan spell last season, and the Real Madrid man would be open to making a return to Arteta's side.
James Maddison of Leicester City is also of interest to Arsenal, but there is yet to be a formal approach for the England midfielder.
The Gunners have sounded out the possibility of signing the 24-year-old, though, through intermediaries.
