Leon Goretzka is not a name many expected to come up for Arsenal this month. But it has quietly. Without much noise. Talks have taken place, according to people close to the situation, though nothing has moved beyond that. Tottenham are also involved. Right now, they are seen as the more realistic option.
This feels early. And a little unexpected. Arsenal are chasing the title and, publicly at least, look settled. The squad is deep. Midfield options are strong. That makes this link stand out more than most. It does not feel urgent. It feels like a check.
WHY GORETZKA IS EVEN AVAILABLE
At Bayern Munich, things have shifted for Goretzka. Not dramatically. But noticeably. He still plays. He still starts games in the Bundesliga. But his role is managed. He rarely lasts the full 90 minutes. Substitutions around the hour mark have become common. In Europe, the picture is clearer. He has not started a Champions League game this season. That is hard to ignore.
Since Vincent Kompany arrived, Bayern’s midfield has leaned in a different direction. Goretzka has not disappeared, but he is no longer central. For a player with 67 Germany caps, that matters. His camp are aware of it. They are listening. They are making calls.
ARSENAL’S POSITION IS CAUTIOUS
From Arsenal’s side, there is no rush. No panic. No clear need. This is not about replacing anyone. It is not about filling a hole. It feels more like an opportunistic look at the market.
Goretzka would bring experience. Strength. Know-how. He would not need time to settle. But Arsenal are also thinking long term. Age matters. Wages matter. Squad balance matters too.
That is why this feels more like Arsenal being open to a conversation rather than pushing for a deal. If Bayern decide to wait until summer, Arsenal will likely step back.
TOTTENHAM ARE MORE ENGAGED
Tottenham’s interest is different. More direct. More active. They are assessing midfield options and have been for a while. Goretzka has come up in those discussions.
Thomas Frank is understood to like the player. He sees reliability. Someone who can handle pressure and step in quickly. At the same time, not everyone at Spurs is convinced. There are concerns. About age. About how this fits a longer rebuild.
So while Tottenham look more likely, nothing is agreed. Nothing is close. It is interest, not a decision.
🚨Bayern Munich player Leon Goretzka is likely to leave the Allianz Stadium this January with Tottenham becoming the favourite to sign him as they seek to strengthen their squad.
The English club are serous about signing the 30-year-old midfielder (who is also on the radar of… pic.twitter.com/XGOSbWP1uJ
— Sport Trends247 (@SportTrends247) January 1, 2026
EVERYTHING COMES BACK TO BAYERN
This story does not move unless Bayern allow it to. They could sanction a January exit. Or they could wait until summer. Both options are on the table. Letting Goretzka go now would be a signal. Keeping him keeps control. That choice will shape everything. For now, Goretzka’s representatives are checking interest. Clubs are listening. No one is committing. January has a habit of forcing clarity. But it has not done so yet.
AUTHOR’S INSIGHT
This feels like a feeler rather than a plan. Goretzka’s role at Bayern is no longer fixed, but that does not mean a move is coming fast. Arsenal listening makes sense without committing. Tottenham feel more open, but still unsure. Until Bayern decide what they want, this stays exactly where it is now. Talk. Interest. No movement.
As featured on GoonerNews.com