Arsenal have emerged as contenders to sign Borussia Dortmund midfielder Julian Brandt, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Cut-price deal available?

Mikel Arteta is reportedly keen to sign two new midfielders this summer, with the 26-year-old having been identified as an ideal candidate at the Emirates Stadium.

The German international has now entered the final 18 months of his contract with Edin Terzic’s side so a cut-price deal could be available should he not put pen to paper on fresh terms.

The Gunners were previously linked with their target back in 2021, and despite a deal failing to materialise at the time, it appears that they are ready to take a second bite of the cherry.

The Latest: Arsenal contenders for Brandt

According to Bild (via Sport Witness), Arsenal are one of two potential suitors that are ‘hot’ in the race for Brandt.

The Premier League outfit are keen to ‘lure’ the Dortmund star to the capital, and it’s claimed that he would be ‘open’ to making the move there in the summer.

The Bremen native has already told his ‘close circle’ that a switch to the top-flight would ‘appeal’ to him.

The Verdict: Get it done…

Brandt has been described as a player that adds ‘danger’ to the midfield by journalist Josh Bunting so Arsenal should act fast to secure him ahead of their unnamed fellow competitors.

The Nike-sponsored ace has made 12 goal contributions in 23 Bundesliga outings this season where he’s averaging 2.3 key passes per 90 minutes.

BVB’s maestro would provide Arteta with great versatility having operated in four different positions this term, including out wide on both flanks alongside in the centre.

Brandt also shares the same agent as Reiss Nelson so this could potentially give Edu the advantage when trying to complete a deal ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.