Arsenal are ready to step up plans to sign Borussia Dortmund midfielder Julian Brandt.

The Gunners are eager to extend Martin Odegaard's stay when his loan deal from Real Madrid expires at the end of the season, but if the Spanish giants call him back then Brandt could make the move to the Emirates.

BILD says Arsenal are 'digging hard' for Brandt and Dortmund would want only £17.5million for his services - which would be a £4m loss on what the Bundesliga side paid Bayer Leverkusen in 2019.

Brandt, 24, has endured a frustrating time at Dortmund this season, starting only 16 times in Bundesliga, seemingly accepting that he may need to leave to revitalise his career.

In 82 matches for Dortmund, the attacking midfielder has scored 10 times while creating 15 assists.