What Borussia Dortmund midfielder Julian Brandt might give Arsenal

Stefan Bienkowski

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 3 min read

Arsenal are on the hunt for a new creative midfielder in the January transfer window and it seems as though Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Brandt may fit the bill. 

The German international has been heavily linked with a move to London in the coming weeks and according to Football London the 24-year-old could be signed for just £22 million. 

However, like every transfer, Brandt’s arrival in London would come with a certain degree of risk. Would the Bundesliga playmaker work just as well in the Premier League and what exactly would he offer Mikel Arteta’s side? 

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What is Brandt good at? 

Having developed as a winger at first at Bayer Leverkusen before making the move to the Westfalenstadion, Brandt has since become a jack of all trades at Dortmund. 

For example, this season alone has seen the German international play up front as a false No.9, on either wing and as a box-to-box of deep-lying playmaker. However, it’s that final role that is probably why Arsenal seem so interested in his talents. 

When used properly Brandt is an exceptional playmaker that can either break down low blocks from stubborn defences or quickly move the ball up the park in counter attacks against better sides. 

It’s this dynamism and creativity in the middle of the park that is clearly lacking at Arsenal. While Arteta may have a number of holding or defensive midfielders, he doesn’t have a single senior player that can dribble with the ball or link up with attackers quite like Brant may be able to do. 

What do Brandt’s stats say? 

Brandt has undoubtedly been a victim of his own usefulness this season, with Lucien Favre playing the midfielder in a number of make-shift roles. Little wonder then that the Dortmund head coach eventually lost his job. 

As such, Brandt has only managed to pick up one goal and one assist in 22 games in all competitions this season. However, that shouldn’t discourage any Arsenal fans that are wondering if he’s up to the task of revitalising their midfield. 

Last season the German international was largely played in his preferred position in the centre of the pitch and picked up seven goals and 13 assists in 42 games. And the season before that saw him pick up 10 goals and 17 assists in 43 games for Leverkusen. 

When used properly, Brandt offers goals and assists in almost equal measure. Which is exactly what Arteta needs from his midfielders this season. And at 24 years of age he’s still a few years off his peak.