Julian Brandt 'emerges' as Arsenal transfer target and Tonali interest cools

CommentsArsenalTom Victor05:00, 11 Mar 2026Arsenal are expected to seek squad reinforcements during the summer window irrespective of whether they secure the Premier League crown. Nevertheless, following speculation towards the end of the January transfer window, their pursuit of Sandro Tonali seems to be off the table for now as alternative options come into view.

The Gunners hold a seven-point advantage over Manchester City at the Premier League summit, although Pep Guardiola's side can cut that lead if they win their game in hand. Both clubs will resume their title tilts at the weekend once they have navigated Champions League round of 16 responsibilities.

Mikel Arteta's men head to Germany for Wednesday's early fixture against Bayer Leverkusen, with the Bundesliga outfit having secured a 2-0 triumph over Olympiacos in their knockout play-off. City, by contrast, face Real Madrid later that evening after Alvaro Arbeloa's side overcame Benfica.

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Sandro Tonali does not feature amongst the names on Arsenal's summer recruitment list, according to ChronicleLive. Tonali is believed to have been presented to the Gunners during the January window, though the former AC Milan midfielder's representative Giuseppe Riso refuted those claims.

Arsenal are understood to need to exercise caution this summer owing to PSR considerations. Recent reports indicated eight first-team players were amongst those being weighed up for potential departures as the club looks to avoid falling foul of financial regulations.

That said, Mikel Arteta may well find other ways to bolster his squad come summer. A pursuit of Tonali doesn't appear to rank highly amongst the club's objectives, though, with the 25-year-old potentially staying at current club Newcastle United.

Arsenal are amongst the sides vying for Borussia Dortmund star Julian Brandt, according to reports from Germany. The attacking midfielder, who turns 30 in May, is out of contract this summer and has no intention of penning fresh terms with Dortmund.

"There have been open discussions, after which we agreed that the expiring contract would not be extended," the Bundesliga club's sporting director Lars Ricken told Sky Germany following the weekend triumph away at Koln. "He has played a few hundred games for Borussia Dortmund. I think we can only be grateful to him; he played for us for seven years."

Brandt is reportedly eager for a switch abroad, though Arsenal aren't his sole suitors. Barcelona have also been mentioned, while the attacking midfielder is said to be weighing up the prospect of moving to England, Spain or Italy.

The ex-Bayer Leverkusen player boasts a record of 56 goals and 69 assists in almost 300 outings for Dortmund. He has also earned 48 senior international caps for Germany and featured in his nation's squads at the World Cup in both 2018 and 2022.

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more£30.99TNT SportsGet TNT Sports hereProduct DescriptionArsenal have reached the UEFA Champions League round of 16 where they face Bayer Leverkusen on March 11. Fans can watch the game on Prime Video's TNT Sports channel.