Arsenal rival Manchester United for Eintracht Frankfurt defender

London – The battle for Germany’s breakout left-back is heating up, with Arsenal joining Manchester United at the front of the queue for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Nathaniel Brown ahead of the summer window.

Sources have confirmed to CaughtOffside that the Gunners have stepped up their interest in the 22-year-old, whose surge from relative obscurity to one of Europe’s most coveted defenders has been one of the season’s standout storylines. Brown’s current deal with Frankfurt runs until 2030, but that has not deterred a growing list of elite suitors.

United’s recruitment team have tracked Brown for months, viewing his age, athleticism and capacity for a high-energy system as an ideal fit for the club’s planned defensive overhaul. Arsenal, however, believe the Londoner’s offensive output – three goals and six assists in the Bundesliga this campaign – aligns perfectly with Mikel Arteta’s demand for relentless width and end-product from full-back.

Brown’s performances have transcended traditional defensive duties. His overlapping runs, accurate crossing and relentless stamina have turned Frankfurt’s left flank into a consistent source of chances, while improved positional awareness has tightened the club’s back line. The result is a player equally comfortable pinning opponents deep as he is snuffing out counters.

Premier League clubs are increasingly confident their financial muscle gives them an edge over continental giants such as Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Tottenham, all of whom maintain a watching brief. Liverpool also retain a long-term interest as they project life beyond Andy Robertson, but early dialogue is reportedly being driven by United and now Arsenal.

Frankfurt hold a strong negotiating position thanks to the lengthy contract signed only last year, yet the expectation within the industry is that a record sale for the club could be on the horizon once the window opens. With United mapping out their rebuild and Arsenal seeking to add proven quality to a title-chasing squad, the coming weeks are likely to bring formal offers and a potential bidding war for one of European football’s most complete young defenders.