Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta applaud (Photo by Ryan Pierse, David Ramos/Getty Images)
Eintracht Frankfurt’s up-and-coming full-back Nathaniel Braun has attracted the attention of Europe’s elite, with BILD reporting strong interest from Real Madrid, Arsenal and Manchester City after a string of outstanding performances this season.
The 22-year-old has also been linked with AC Milan, showing how quickly his stock is rising.
Transfer official Florian Plettenberg added that Frankfurt are well aware of the increased attention and are expected to insist on an offer of at least 60 million euros before considering a sale.
With January approaching and summer already on the horizon, Brown looks to be one of the most coveted defensive targets on the market.
Nathaniel Brown has impressed at top clubs
Comfortably overlapping on the outside or underlapping in half-space, Brown provides build-up versatility and exit in transition.
This versatility explains why there are three clubs orbiting the club with very different styles.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal highly value full-backs who can flip into midfield and help control the central zone, and Brown’s comfortable reception on half-turns and vertical movement will suit Arsenal’s style of play.
Manchester City, on the other hand, frequently deploy their full-backs as supplementary midfielders or touchline runners depending on the opposition, and Brown could provide that, which is what Pep Guardiola is looking for in the market.
Man City and Arsenal join battle for Brown
Real Madrid, Arsenal, Manchester City and AC Milan are all eyeing a modern two-way left-back who can strengthen their systems, but Eintracht Frankfurt are only willing to spend more than €60 million.
Whether a deal happens in January or waits until the summer will depend on the interested club and the player’s future plans.
Brown’s rise has moved him from a blue-chip prospect to a premium target.
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