Arsenal may be sitting comfortably atop the Premier League standings, but manager Mikel Arteta is already mapping out potential reinforcements for the January transfer window. The focus appears to shift towards Germany, where Eintracht Frankfurt’s rising star Nathaniel Brown has caught the eye.
The 22-year-old left-back gained widespread attention during Germany’s impressive journey to this summer’s UEFA European Under-21 Championship final, where they narrowly succumbed to England after extra time. According to Now Arsenal, whispers from Germany speculate that Arteta is keen on bolstering his defence with Brown’s acquisition. However, Arsenal are likely to face stiff competition from Manchester City for his signature.
A versatile defender, Brown was born in Germany and ascended through the ranks, making a name for himself at 1. FC Nurnberg as both an attacking full-back and left-sided centre-back. His impressive displays in Bundesliga 2 during the 2022/23 season earned him a move to Frankfurt in January 2024, though he continued at Nurnberg on loan for the remainder of the campaign. Since his permanent return to the Eagles, Brown has excelled under Dino Toppmöller, making 32 Bundesliga appearances last season, recording 12 clean sheets, and providing three assists.
Rewarded with a contract extending until 2030 and valued at approximately £19 million, Brown perfectly fits the profile of the player Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta is believed to be targeting. His arrival would augment competition in Arteta’s squad, particularly for Myles Lewis-Skelly and Riccardo Calafiori.
Securing Brown will not be straightforward, as Frankfurt is expected to demand a hefty transfer fee, reflecting his long-term contract and growing reputation. Nonetheless, preliminary talks are anticipated as Arsenal prepare for the January window.
Arteta, now in his sixth year at the club’s helm, is under pressure to deliver silverware to north London. With his team currently leading the Premier League, there is a growing belief that the Spaniard can conclude the club’s five-year wait for a trophy..