Arsenal and Atletico Madrid could go head-to-head off the pitch as well, with both clubs vying to sign Julian Brandt on a free transfer. The 29-year-old midfielder will leave Borussia Dortmund this summer after deciding not to extend his contract.
Brandt's Career and Potential Move Abroad
Brandt has spent his entire professional career in Germany but is reportedly keen to move abroad. Arsenal emerged as a potential suitor last month, and now Atletico Madrid, who Mikel Arteta's side will face in the Champions League semi-finals, have also entered the race.
According to Spanish outlet Marca, Atletico sporting director Mateu Alemany has shortlisted Brandt as a replacement for club legend Antoine Griezmann, who will join MLS side Orlando City in the summer transfer window.
Brandt's Impressive Season
Brandt's experience and versatility make him an attractive option for clubs. The German has scored 11 goals in 37 appearances this season, making it his most productive campaign in front of goal since joining Dortmund from Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen in 2019.
Brandt, who will turn 30 in June, was in talks to sign a new deal with BVB but the two parties could not reach an agreement. Dortmund CEO Lars Ricken confirmed: "There were open discussions, and both sides agreed that the expiring contract would not be extended."
Ricken added: "He's played a few hundred games for Borussia Dortmund. I think we can only be grateful to him. He played for us for seven years. He was also viewed critically at times. He provided another assist today (in Dortmund's 2-1 win away to Koln). I believe he'll be 30 in a few weeks - we can reassess things. So, this could be an opportunity for both sides. We have ultimately reached an agreement and I believe we parted with a great deal of respect. But it's also another opportunity for both of us."
Brandt's Future Plans
Earlier this month, Brandt was asked about his future plans. Speaking to Sky Germany, he explained: "Let yourself be surprised. There are many ideas, not every idea is good, but there are many ideas. In principle, I'm not ruling anything out. But there are things I prefer, and there are things I currently find harder to imagine. As I said: there are one or two ideas, but everything in due course."
He continued: "You don't have to rush things. We are slowly approaching the end of the season now, but we still have important games ahead of us. It would also not be fair to the club to suddenly start holding talks everywhere. You have to finish things properly, and then you have enough time to think about how things will continue. I am not worried about that at all."
