Arsenal Drop Pursuit of £55m Star as Free Agent Emerges

Arsenal have reportedly cooled their interest in Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali ahead of the summer transfer window, with the Gunners now focusing on alternative targets including Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Brandt.

According to ChronicleLive, Tonali does not feature on Arsenal’s summer recruitment list despite speculation linking the Italian international with a move to the Emirates Stadium during the January window. The 25-year-old’s representative Giuseppe Riso had previously denied any contact between the clubs.

“We never had any conversation with Arsenal,” Riso told Sky in February. “Newcastle were never gonna let Tonali leave in January. There’s absolutely nothing into it.”

PSR Concerns Shape Summer Strategy

Arsenal’s transfer approach appears to be influenced by Profit and Sustainability Rules considerations, with the club needing to exercise caution in the summer market. Recent reports suggested eight first-team players could be sold to ensure compliance with financial regulations.

The north London side currently hold a seven-point lead over Manchester City at the Premier League summit, though Pep Guardiola’s team have a game in hand. Mikel Arteta’s squad will resume their title challenge after navigating Champions League responsibilities, starting with Wednesday’s round of 16 clash against Bayer Leverkusen.

German Star Available on Free Transfer

Arsenal have emerged as contenders for Brandt’s signature, with the attacking midfielder set to leave Dortmund when his contract expires this summer. The 29-year-old has confirmed he will not be extending his stay with the Bundesliga club after seven years.

“There have been open discussions, after which we agreed that the expiring contract would not be extended,” Dortmund sporting director Lars Ricken told Sky Germany. “He has played a few hundred games for Borussia Dortmund. I think we can only be grateful to him.”

Brandt brings significant experience to the table, having registered 56 goals and 69 assists in almost 300 appearances for Dortmund. The Germany international, who has earned 48 senior caps for his country, is reportedly considering moves to England, Spain or Italy.

Barcelona are also said to be monitoring the situation, setting up potential competition for Arsenal’s pursuit of the versatile midfielder. Brandt’s availability on a free transfer could prove attractive given the Gunners’ need to balance squad strengthening with financial prudence.

The shift away from Tonali towards free agent targets like Brandt suggests Arsenal are adapting their recruitment strategy to work within their financial constraints while still seeking to bolster Arteta’s squad for another Premier League title challenge.