Despite a successful summer of recruitment, Arsenal are being linked with a surprise big-money move for a Bundesliga defender in the January 2026 transfer window, while a more cost-effective alternative is already under the microscope.
Arsenal's Expensive Defensive Link
According to reports from Sport Bild, the Gunners are keeping tabs on Bayer Leverkusen left-back Nathaniel Brown. The 22-year-old, who plays for Eintracht Frankfurt, enjoyed a breakthrough season in the German top flight after initial struggles and is now attracting significant attention.
Reflecting on his debut Bundesliga campaign, Brown told the league's official website: "There were definitely lots of ups and downs... I had a tough time at the start, but that’s all part of it." He added, "I have got past this phase now and I am quite proud of myself for that." His estimated price tag is a hefty £57 million.
The £15m 'No-Brainer' Alternative
This link raises immediate questions given Arsenal's current defensive options. The summer signings of Riccardo Calafiori, Myles Lewis-Skelley, and the loan arrival of Piero Hincapie have already bolstered Mikel Arteta's backline.
Crucially, Hincapie's deal includes an obligation-to-buy clause for around £15 million, contingent on certain conditions. The Ecuadorian has demonstrated valuable versatility, capable of playing both at centre-half and on the left flank, reducing the risk for Arsenal.
This potential permanent move for Hincapie is seen as a logical and financially astute piece of business, especially when compared to a fresh £57m outlay.
Squad Logic Versus Transfer Speculation
From a squad-building perspective, pursuing Brown seems an odd priority. Arsenal already have multiple players who can operate at left-back, including:
- Riccardo Calafiori
- Myles Lewis-Skelley
- Piero Hincapie
Arteta and sporting director Edu Gaspar ran a precise operation last summer, with every signing serving a clear purpose. Adding a fourth player for one position makes little sense for Premier League and Champions League squad rules, or for the club's finances.
The interest in Brown may only become logical if one of the existing trio departs. Until then, the substantial funds required could be far better deployed elsewhere, perhaps in pursuit of reported forward targets like Real Madrid's Rodrygo.
For now, the focus may rightly remain on Hincapie's audition for a permanent switch, a deal that appears a far more straightforward piece of business for the North London club.
