According to Sport BILD journalist Christian Falk, Arsenal are interested in signing Borussia Dortmund midfielder Julian Brandt.

What's the story?

The Gunners have been short of creativity this season, with just 16 goals scored in their first 16 games of the new Premier League season.

Mikel Arteta's side have improved in the last couple of games, particularly with academy starlet Emile Smith Rowe playing in that all-important number ten role.

But, it seems the north London side are still intent on signing an attacking midfielder, and Falk has claimed that Brandt is in their sights, and that a "transfer is already a topic in the dressing room".

Perfect upgrade on Ozil

Whilst things haven't quite gone to plan for Brandt this season - he's completed the full 90 minutes just twice in the Bundesliga - there's no doubting the kind of talent the Germany international possesses.

His former coach at Dortmund, Lucien Favre, said: "He can play different positions in different systems, on the wings, between the lines, in a midfield two or three, even as a striker. He offers many solutions for a coach. That’s his great quality, that’s his strength."

That versatility sets him apart from Ozil, who whilst he could potentially play off the right, is at his best in that number ten role. Brandt can play on either flank, and with Arteta showing he is a tactically astute manager, the 24-year-old's ability to adapt to different systems and demands seems tailor made for the Gunners right now.

In August 2017, he became the youngest Bayer Leverkusen player to rack up 100 Bundesliga appearances, and has already got plenty of Champions League experience with Dortmund too.

If Edu can pull off a deal for the £31.5m-rated record-breaker, then Arsenal may just have found their ideal Ozil upgrade.