Arsenal face competition from Barcelona, Aston Villa for Borussia Dortmund forward Julian Brandt - Paper Round
Updated 11/03/2026 at 08:28 GMT
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The race for Julian Brandt this summer is heating up, with Arsenal and Barcelona said to be leading the way for the Borussia Dortmund forward, who will soon be a free agent. Elsewhere, Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero could be sold as the club looks to overhaul their squad, while Liverpool have received a boost in their pursuit of RB Leipzig teenager Yan Diomande.
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Arsenal join race for Brandt
Arsenal have entered the race to sign Julian Brandt on a free transfer this summer but face competition from Barcelona.
The Mirror reports The Gunners are monitoring the 29-year-old, who will leave Borussia Dortmund upon the expiry of his contract in June.
"His availability has alerted several clubs, with Aston Villa among those to be linked to the attacking midfielder. Now it's emerged that Arsenal have entered the frame," states the outlet.
"Sky Germany claim that Brandt wants to move abroad for the first time in his career and Arsenal are interested. But Mikel Arteta would need to convince the player to snub Barcelona, who are also reportedly keen.
"The Dortmund star is said to be fluent in Spanish and has a Catalan girlfriend, making the idea of a switch to Barca - where he'd work under ex-Germany manager Hansi Flick - particularly appealing. Arsenal could try matching Brandt's €8million (£6.9m) salary as well as offering him a significant signing-on bonus.
"As things stand, Arsenal and Barcelona are yet to approach to the German's agent and father, Jurgen."
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Romero may leave Spurs
Tottenham Hotspur could sell club captain Cristian Romero this summer to "help fund a summer rebuild", reports The Telegraph.
Last December, Romero appeared to criticise the club's board, claiming the club had fallen behind rivals due to a lack of investment. Just two months later, Romero said his side's lack of squad options for a 2-2 draw against Manchester City was "disgraceful."
Now The Telegraph claims both parties feel Romero leaving the club "may be best."
The outlet writes: "Tottenham Hotspur are planning to overhaul the club’s underachieving squad with rebel captain Cristian Romero one of the potential high-profile departures.
"Atletico are long-term admirers of Romero and Tuesday night’s game against Spurs could act as an audition for the central defender, a player the club may decide to cash in on to help fund a summer rebuild.
"Chief executive Vinai Venkatesham warned in January that Tottenham are "not immune" from financial rules and restrictions, with signings needing to be balanced with sales.
"While Romero remains an important player for Tottenham’s fight against relegation, the club increasingly believes that a parting of the ways at the end of the season may be best for all parties.
"Sources believe that Romero originally wanted to leave Tottenham at the end of last season, following the Europa League success. But the club refused to be bullied into a cut-price sale of the 27-year-old and valued him at more than £60m."
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Liverpool have Diomande chances boosted
Liverpool have had their chances of signing RB Leipzig teenage forward Yan Diomande this summer boosted, claims the Mirror.
The 19-year-old has scored 11 goals and added seven assists for Leipzig this season, attracting the interest of Liverpool and Bayern Munich.
The Mirror explains: "While Leipzig will be keen on keeping him for the foreseeable future, it appears that their hand might be forced.
"According to Sky in Germany, the Bundesliga side need to raise around €100 million (£86.5m) even if they qualify for the Champions League.
"One big sale - potentially Diomande or defender Castello Lukeba could be among those who may leave - while a host of smaller sales are not ruled out. If Leipzig miss out on a spot in the Champions League, then both Lukeba and Diomande could depart.
"As it stands, Leipzig sit fifth in the Bundesliga table but are only outside of the top four on goal difference. Diomande has over four years left to run on his contract with the club."
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