Arsenal prepare free transfer offers for Leon Goretzka and Julian Brandt
Arsenal are preparing formal contract offers for German internationals Leon Goretzka and Julian Brandt ahead of potential summer free transfers.
The North London club are looking to subtly shift their usual recruitment strategy by adding highly experienced players to Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Securing the pair without a transfer fee would allow the Gunners to preserve vital funds for a marquee signing on the left wing.
Midfield reinforcements targeted
Goretzka has fallen down the pecking order at Bayern Munich under head coach Vincent Kompany.
The 29-year-old midfielder is widely expected to depart the Allianz Arena when his current deal expires at the end of the season.
Brandt remains a pivotal figure for Borussia Dortmund, but the versatile playmaker is understood to be seeking a fresh challenge in the Premier League.
Their arrivals would provide crucial depth in central areas, where the manager has struggled to rotate key personnel due to mixed success with recent midfield acquisitions.
Experience vital for title ambitions
Arsenal are currently chasing their first Premier League crown in 22 years while competing on multiple domestic and European fronts.
Arteta’s side also face a pivotal Champions League last-16 second leg against Bayer Leverkusen, following a tense 1-1 draw in the first encounter.
Adding seasoned European veterans is viewed as the necessary next step to help a youthful squad handle the rigorous demands of challenging for major honours.
Brandt’s arrival could alleviate the creative burden, allowing promising academy graduates like Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman to organically assume more first-team responsibility.
Strategic shift at the Emirates
Recent transfer windows have seen Arsenal focus heavily on acquiring players approaching their physical peak or highly-rated youth prospects.
However, the club’s recruitment team are now actively prioritising proven quality and leadership.
Both the former Schalke dynamo and the Dortmund creator are expected to feature prominently for Germany at the forthcoming World Cup.
The club are reportedly working diligently behind the scenes to ensure the duo arrive in London immediately after their international commitments conclude.
