The 22-year-old Eintracht Frankfurt player Nathaniel Brown could well be Luke Shaw's successor at Manchester United, competing for a starting spot with Patrick Dorgu. The only problem — Arsenal is also interested in the 2003-born German youngster.
Frankfurt are reportedly convinced that their full-back is almost certain to leave in the summer despite having another four years left on his contract. The Bundesliga club have benefited greatly from the youngster's coming of age, as Brown has already managed three goals and provided six assists this season. Arsenal, who currently enjoy an edge over United in the race to sign him, should be prepared to pay around €65 million, CaughtOffside said in a report. This is said to be slightly below earlier valuations, it added.
Born to an American father, Brown faces no language barrier in England. He is rated among the most intelligent youngsters in the German top tier, with the capability to combine overlapping and underlapping runs with ease and cover for his fellow full-backs if they have to push forward.
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Brown signed for 2021/22 UEFA Europa League winners Frankfurt in January 2024, before being loaned back to Nuremberg. Brown marked his full Bundesliga debut with a goal in Frankfurt's 7-2 demolition of Bochum.
Unlike many attacking full-backs who lack defensive capabilities, Brown is effective when entrusted with defensive responsibilities. This was proven before Europe's elite during a Champions League trip to Barcelona, where he kept Lamine Yamal quiet for most of the match. He can also operate on the opposite flank as an inverted full-back and has even played in central midfield.
His positional awareness is often praised along with his capability to win duels. His stamina is critical to non-stop attacking runs, all while cutting out attacks or forcing wingers inside. His ball-carrying capacity is crucial for possession build-ups and ball-possession-based tactics.
