Arsenal have made no secret of being in the market for a creative midfielder or two this January and it appears we have identified the 2 most likely targets; Emi Buendia and Julian Brandt. Buendia still remains the focus, whereas it is more likely that the Gunners will have to focus on getting rid of dead wood before making a move for Brandt as well.

Borussia Dortmund have reportedly set a £22 million price tag for Brandt. Whilst Dortmund chief did say he was yet to hear anything from Arsenal over a potential move, he was also clear that he would never rule anything out at the start of a transfer window.

For me, Buendia must absolutely be the focus (assuming an Aouar transfer is off the cards); his profile is far closer to what is missing and he shouldn’t take long to get used to his surroundings. However, if Arsenal wish to pursue a deal for Brandt in addition, I would not be opposed to it. He can play in a variety of attacking positions, but I’m assuming would primarily operate for us as a number 10 with Buendia, who has a bit more grit and fight, operating in the Santi Cazorla gap next to Thomas Partey (wouldn’t that be a midfield combo). Brandt is a talent who is worth an opportunity and makes sense with regards to not hindering the progress of ESR too much. At just £22 million, Brandt would certainly not be undroppable if at any given point ESR was in better form.

I think that this deal is dependent on Arsenal’s ability to clear out the current German playmaker in the squad, before replacing him with a new one. I’m sure it will be tough to get Ozil out of the club when his wages are so high and his contract is set to expire anyway, however if we could free up those wages it could open up a number of exciting market opportunities.