Arsenal’s pursuit of left-back target dealt blow as Bayern Munich make their move

Add as preferred source on Google

Bayern Munich are moving quickly for one of Arsenal’s defensive targets this summer.

Florian Pletternberg of Sky Germany reports that Bayern and Nathaniel Brown have reached a full verbal agreement on a summer transfer.

The 22-year-old Eintracht Frankfurt left-back wants to join the German champions, with a long-term contract until 2031 already agreed in principle.

Bayern and Frankfurt are in contact, though a deal could yet fall through over the fee, with Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krosche demanding up to €60million.

Arsenal had been tracking Brown as a potential addition at left-back, particularly with Riccardo Calafiori attracting interest from Real Madrid.

Should Arsenal considering SELLING Riccardo Calafiori already due to his injuries?

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

Whether the Gunners’ interest in Brown was directly linked to Calafiori’s situation or simply part of broader squad planning is not known, but the news of Bayern’s verbal agreement is a blow either way.

It is, however, a familiar story.

German clubs and players gravitating towards Bayern Munich is one of the most predictable patterns in football, and Vincent Kompany’s influence appears to have been a significant factor in convincing Brown.

Arsenal are not necessarily out of the race for Nathaniel Brown

Bayern and Frankfurt are yet to agree a fee, and at €60million, there is still the chance the deal could collapse over finances.

Should that happen, Arsenal would be well placed to make a formal approach, and as Premier League champions, they could yet present a proposition just as attractive.

Andrea Berta is also working on strengthening the other side of the defence, with Tino Livramento and Ivan Fresneda among the targets.

Fabrizio Romano has since suggested that Atalanta’s Marco Palestra could also be a solution to Arsenal’s right-back search, should Ben White leave as expected.

With potential movement across multiple positions in the backline this summer, Berta will need to move quickly and smartly in what is shaping up to be an important window.