Bild reporter Christian Falk confirms that Arsenal are indeed interested in signing Julian Brandt, but it will be difficult in January.

BRAUNSCHWEIG, GERMANY: Julian Brandt (L) of Borussia Dortmund competes for the ball with Patrick Kammerbauer (R) of Eintracht Braunschweig during the DFB Cup second round match between Eintracht Braunschweig and Borussia Dortmund at Eintracht-Stadion on December 22, 2020. (Photo by Oliver Hardt/Getty Images)
BRAUNSCHWEIG, GERMANY: Julian Brandt (L) of Borussia Dortmund competes for the ball with Patrick Kammerbauer (R) of Eintracht Braunschweig during the DFB Cup second round match between Eintracht Braunschweig and Borussia Dortmund at Eintracht-Stadion on December 22, 2020. (Photo by Oliver Hardt/Getty Images)

According to Christian Falk – speaking on German TV – Arsenal do hold an interest in Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Brandt.

Their scouts have already followed the player extensively, though a January transfer is considered too short-term for all parties. Falk expects negotiations to pick up speed in the summer instead.

Similarly, Sport1 reporter Patrick Berger claims Arsenal are following Brandt, but there’s no contact between the Gunners and Dortmund just yet. The Bundesliga club are generally unwilling to sell in the winter window.

David Ornstein previously wrote for The Athletic that Arsenal ‘have considered’ a move for the German 24-year-old.

Brandt is still a regular for Dortmund, making 22 appearances this season, though he’s only started 10 of those games. A strong passer and dribbler, he could help Arsenal with one of their biggest issues this season – progressing the play from back to front.

At this stage, however, it doesn’t seem like we’re going to see any significant progress on Brandt in the January window.