Report: Manager deals Arsenal blow over £123k-a-week ace, available for £21.5m

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Marco Rose has told Julian Brandt that he has ‘every intention’ of relaunching his Borussia Dortmund career next season amid interest from Arsenal, according to Calciomercato.

The former Borussia Monchengladbach manager has taken charge at the Westfalenstadion this summer after replacing Lucien Favre. The Bundesliga side parted with the Swiss coach in December, but finished the season third under interim boss Edin Terzic.

Rose took his first training session as the Dortmund boss on Sunday and spoke with Brandt to discuss his future. He informed the German in those talks how he plans to revive his time in North Rhine-Westphalia.

Brandt only started 17 Bundesliga games last term and was eyed by Arsenal for a move away from Borussia Dortmund. Kicker claimed in May that the Gunners were reviving their pursuit after missing out on the 25-year-old in January.

Christian Falk of Bild supported the reports of Arsenal’s interest in Brandt, and noted a €25m (£21.5m) asking price. Corriere dello Sport, meanwhile, claim Dortmund would loan him to Lazio with a non-conditional obligation to buy for €25-30m (£21.5-£26m).

But Rose has dealt blows to both Arsenal and Lazio by wanting to keep Brandt at Borussia Dortmund next season. The 35-cap maestro will hope the arrival of a new manager sees his performances improve after an underwhelming return of three goals and two assists.

Dortmund ace Brandt deals Arsenal further blow

Brandt has also dealt Arsenal a blow, having spoken positively of his first interaction with Rose as Borussia Dortmund manager. The pair met for the first time on Sunday, with the midfielder one of 10 outfield players reporting for training.

Brandt told the Dortmund club website after his first session with the new BVB boss that Rose is “very open and very demanding,” before adding: “You can see how much enthusiasm he has for the club and the team.”

The £123,000-per-week ace will likely now hope that enthusiasm rubs off on his performances with his future at the Westfalenstadion. All the while, Arsenal and Lazio will have to look elsewhere for a versatile engine room occupant this summer.