Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly suffered a blow in their rumoured interest of Julian Brandt, as the Borussia Dortmund midfielder is set to open contract talks with the German club.
Brandt has won the Bundesliga Player of the Month award for two months running in what has been a very productive campaign for the 26-year-old.
With eight league goals already this season, he is on course to reach double figures for the first time in his career.
Brandt's performances have helped Dortmund sustain a title challenge in the Bundesliga, and German outlet BILD claim sporting director Sebastian Kehl is keen to open up contract talks imminently.
After picking up an injury inside a few minutes at Chelsea which forced him off, Brandt's absence ultimately saw them exit the Champions League and also saw their eight-game winning streak in the league come to an end at Schalke 04 on Saturday.
The report claims that Arsenal and Spurs are both interested in the player, but Dortmund plan on offering Brandt a new and improved contract which could see him earn €7m (£6.1m) per year.
A Premier League move is said to be appealing to the German international, but he is reportedly open to starting contract talks with his current club.
Andrew Delaney
