The summer transfer window hasn’t even hit full stride, and Arsenal and Liverpool are already butting heads. This time, the prize is Borussia Dortmund left-back Daniel Svensson — a 24-year-old Swede who’s quietly become one of the most wanted defenders in Europe.
So what makes Svensson such a hot commodity? And which club is better positioned to land him?
From Danish Football to Dortmund Starter
Svensson’s rise has been rapid. He joined Dortmund on loan from Danish side FC Nordsjaelland in February 2025 and made an immediate impression at Signal Iduna Park.
The club didn’t hesitate. They activated his purchase option that same summer for a reported €6.5 million, tying him down until 2029.
Since then, he’s become a fixture in Nico Kovac’s starting lineup. He made 44 appearances across all competitions last season, chipping in with goals and assists from the left flank.
According to FotMob, Svensson recorded two goals and two assists in 26 Bundesliga appearances during 2025/26, averaging a solid 7.13 rating. He’s comfortable at left-back, wing-back, or tucked into midfield — a profile that modern managers love.
It’s no surprise his dream of playing in the Premier League is reportedly an “open secret” in Germany.
Why Arsenal and Liverpool Both Want Him
Arsenal already have options at left-back. Riccardo Calafiori remains at the club, and Piero Hincapie’s loan from Bayer Leverkusen was made permanent this summer for around £45 million.
But here’s the thing — Arteta’s squad needs depth, not just starters. Calafiori has battled injury issues, and Hincapie started ahead of him in the Champions League final. Adding a player like Svensson, who can cover multiple positions, makes strategic sense.
According to the BBC, Arsenal scouted Svensson on several occasions last season. Their recruitment team reportedly views him as someone who’d add genuine quality on the left side of the defence.
Liverpool’s interest stems from a different place entirely. Andy Robertson left Anfield this summer after his contract expired, joining Tottenham on a free transfer. That departure leaves Milos Kerkez as the Reds’ first-choice left-back, with Kostas Tsimikas returning from a loan at Roma as backup.
But is Tsimikas really the answer long-term? Liverpool don’t seem convinced. Reports from Caught Offside suggest the club now has a “concrete plan” to sign Svensson, moving well beyond casual interest.
The Price Tag and What Happens Next
Dortmund aren’t under any pressure to sell. Svensson’s contract runs until 2029, and the German club is well known for holding firm on valuations.
Early reports from Bild placed the asking price at around €30 million. But that was back in February. With Arsenal, Liverpool, Real Madrid, AC Milan, Juventus, and Leeds United all linked at various stages, the price has crept upward.
Recent reports from Fussballdaten and Caught Offside suggest Dortmund now want:
- A base fee of €35 million to €45 million
- Add-ons that could push the total package closer to €50 million
That’s a significant outlay for a player who’d likely serve as a rotational option at either club, at least initially. But Svensson’s ceiling is considered very high. At 24, he hasn’t peaked yet.
The World Cup could also play a role. Svensson made two substitute appearances for Sweden during the group stage, and a strong tournament showing could drive his value even higher. Dortmund may deliberately hold off on any deal until after the competition.
For Arsenal, the appeal is continuity. Arteta has built a title-winning machine, and Svensson would slot into a settled project. Liverpool, meanwhile, are entering a new chapter under a fresh manager. That transition could be exciting — or it could be a deterrent.
Either way, don’t expect this one to drag on forever. Both clubs know what they want. The question is who’ll blink first — or, more accurately, who’ll write the biggest cheque.
