Arsenal are continuing to fight for the Premier League and Champions League, but in the background at the Emirates, plans are being made for the summer transfer window
Atletico Madrid have joined the race to sign Arsenal target Julian Brandt on a free transfer. Brandt, 29, will leave Borussia Dortmund this summer after opting not to sign a contract.
The midfielder has spent his entire career in Germany but is reportedly keen to move abroad. Arsenal emerged as a potential suitor last month and now Atletico, who Mikel Arteta's side will play in the Champions League semi-finals, have also been linked.
Spanish outlet Marca report that Atletico sporting director Mateu Alemany has shortlisted Brandt as a replacement for club legend Antoine Griezmann, who'll join MLS side Orlando City in the summer transfer window.
Brandt's experience and versatility makes 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'll turn 30 in June, was in talks to sign a new deal with BVB but the two parties couldn't reach an agreement. Dortmund CEO Lars Ricken confirmed: "There were open discussions, and both sides agreed that the expiring contract would not be extended.
"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."
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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.
"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."