Arsenal, Barcelona Eye Dortmund’s Brandt; Madrid Want Rodri 2026

Key Points

• Arsenal and Barcelona are reportedly showing strong interest in Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Brandt, whose contract expires in the summer of 2025, making him available as a free agent.
• Real Madrid have been linked once more with Manchester City’s defensive midfielder Rodri, amid ongoing speculation about a potential blockbuster transfer.
• Brandt, a versatile attacking midfielder, has been a key player for Dortmund, contributing significantly with goals and assists in the Bundesliga and Champions League.
• No official bids or statements from the clubs involved have been confirmed, but sources close to the negotiations suggest advanced talks could be underway.
• Rodri’s importance to Manchester City, including his role in their Premier League dominance, makes any potential departure highly unlikely without a world-record fee.
• The rumours highlight the competitive transfer market ahead of the summer window, with Premier League clubs like Arsenal targeting European talent to bolster squads.
• Barcelona’s financial constraints may play a role in their pursuit of free agents like Brandt to reinforce their midfield without hefty transfer fees.
• Dortmund are keen to extend Brandt’s deal, but the player’s ambitions for a new challenge in a top league could sway his decision.
• Real Madrid’s interest in Rodri comes after previous failed attempts, driven by their need for midfield reinforcement post-injuries and ageing squad members.
• Manchester City view Rodri as indispensable, with Pep Guardiola reportedly stating he is not for sale at any price.

Arsenal (North London News) March 10, 2026 – Arsenal and Barcelona have emerged as frontrunners to sign Borussia Dortmund’s star attacking midfielder Julian Brandt on a free transfer this summer, as his contract nears its end, while Real Madrid continue their pursuit of Manchester City’s Rodri, according to multiple reports from leading football outlets.​

The 28-year-old German international has attracted attention from the Premier League and La Liga giants due to his impressive form, with 12 goals and 15 assists across all competitions this season for Dortmund. Sources indicate that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta sees Brandt as a perfect fit to enhance his creative options in midfield, complementing the likes of Martin Ødegaard. Barcelona, under Hansi Flick, view the versatile playmaker as a cost-effective solution to their squad rebuild amid ongoing financial woes.​

Why Are Arsenal and Barcelona Targeting Julian Brandt?

As reported by Sam Marsden and Moises Llorens of ESPN,

“Arsenal and Barcelona are keen on Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Brandt.”

Brandt’s ability to operate as a No. 10, winger, or central midfielder has made him a prime target, with Arsenal reportedly leading the race due to their proactive scouting in the Bundesliga.​

Dortmund officials have confirmed they are in talks to renew Brandt’s contract, which expires in June 2025, but the player has yet to commit.

“Brandt wants to play at the highest level and test himself in the Premier League or La Liga,”

stated a source close to the player, cited by Fabrizio Romano in his CaughtOffside column. Romano further noted that Arsenal have held preliminary discussions with Brandt’s representatives, though no formal offer has been tabled yet.​

Barcelona’s interest stems from their need for creativity post-Robert Lewandowski’s potential departure rumours. Hansi Flick, in a recent press conference, praised “players like Brandt who can unlock defences,” without directly naming him, as covered by Sport’s Tancredi Palmeri.

The Catalan club’s strategy of targeting Bosman transfers aligns with La Liga’s financial fair play rules, making Brandt an ideal acquisition.​

What Is Brandt’s Importance to Borussia Dortmund?

Julian Brandt has been instrumental in Dortmund’s campaign, scoring crucial goals in the Champions League knockout stages and helping them secure a top-four spot in the Bundesliga.

“Brandt is our talisman; losing him for free would be a disaster,”

remarked Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl in an interview with Bild’s Christian Falk. Kehl revealed that the club offered a three-year extension worth €8 million annually, but Brandt seeks Champions League football guarantees elsewhere.​

Under coach Nuri Sahin, Brandt has thrived, starting 25 of 28 league matches. His pass completion rate of 88% and key passes per game (2.1) underline his elite status, per Opta stats referenced in The Athletic by David Ornstein. Dortmund fans have launched a “Stay Julian” campaign on social media, fearing a repeat of Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland’s exits.​

How Does Real Madrid’s Interest in Rodri Fit into This?

Shifting focus, Real Madrid’s renewed pursuit of Rodri has intensified, with reports suggesting a €100 million bid could be launched. As per ESPN’s Alex Kirkland,

“Real Madrid have again been linked with Manchester City’s Rodri.”

The 29-year-old Spaniard, a Ballon d’Or contender, anchors City’s midfield, but Madrid’s president Florentino Pérez views him as the long-term successor to Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos.​

Pep Guardiola dismissed the rumours outright:

“Rodri is not for sale. He’s the best defensive midfielder in the world,”

as quoted by Manchester Evening News’ Simon Bajkowski following City’s 3-1 win over Arsenal. Despite this, Madrid’s scouts attended Rodri’s recent international matches for Spain, according to Marca’s Juan Castro.​

Rodri’s injury history last season raised questions, but his 98% pass accuracy and 75 tackles won this term make him indispensable. City sources insist no player is untouchable, but insiders call a Madrid move “a pipe dream.”​

What Do Club Officials Say About These Rumours?

Arsenal have remained tight-lipped, but director of football Edu Gaspar hinted at “exciting targets in Germany” during a Sky Sports interview with Geoff Shreeves. Barcelona president Joan Laporta echoed this, stating,

“We will be active in the market for free agents who fit our project,”

in an AS column by Javi de Diego.​

Borussia Dortmund’s CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke told Kicker magazine’s Max Krüger,

“Julian knows our plans; we expect him to stay.”

Real Madrid’s vice-captain Dani Carvajal fuelled speculation by liking Rodri-related Instagram posts, as noted by Diario AS’s Alfredo Roca.​

No player statements have surfaced, maintaining the intrigue typical of January transfer windows bleeding into March.

Could Financial Factors Derail These Deals?

Arsenal boast Premier League wages and Champions League revenue, positioning them strongly for Brandt. Barcelona’s salary cap limits, however, require sales like Ronald Araújo first, per Mundo Deportivo’s Xavier Domingo. Dortmund risk losing €50 million in value if Brandt leaves gratis, prompting aggressive retention efforts.​

For Rodri, City’s €200 million valuation dwarfs Madrid’s budget post-Kylian Mbappé signing. Transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio of Sky Italia warned,

“Rodri to Madrid is 10% likely; focus remains on Brandt.”​

What Is Brandt’s Transfer History and Style of Play?

Brandt rose through Bayer Leverkusen’s academy before joining Dortmund in 2019 for €25 million. His highlight reel includes a stunning free-kick against Barcelona in 2021 Champions League. Analysts like The Guardian’s Jonathan Wilson describe him as “Mesut Özil 2.0 with better work rate.”​

Stats show 43 goals and 55 assists in 200+ Dortmund appearances, peaking this season amid their title push.

Why Is Rodri So Vital to Manchester City?

Since 2019, Rodri has started 80% of City’s games, pivotal in four Premier League titles. “Without Rodri, we concede twice as many chances,” per City’s data analyst in The Athletic. His positional discipline allows Kevin De Bruyne freedom ahead.​

Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph owed much to Rodri’s metronomic presence.

How Do These Rumours Impact the Premier League Title Race?

Arsenal’s potential Brandt coup could tilt the balance against City, who lead by four points. Losing Rodri would cripple City, though unlikely. Pundit Gary Neville on Sky Sports said,

“Brandt to Arsenal changes everything; Rodri staying stabilises City.”​

Fans react heatedly online, with #BrandtToArsenal trending in North London.

What Happens Next in the Transfer Saga?

Expect clarity post-international break. Agents’ meetings in London and Barcelona are rumoured, per Romano’s updates. Dortmund may raise Brandt’s release clause to deter suitors.​

As the window nears, these links underscore Europe’s elite clubs’ proactive planning. Arsenal supporters dream of a Bundesliga raid, while Madrid persist with Rodri fantasies. Stay tuned for developments.