Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka could still make the move to Arsenal at the end of the season, according to Bild reporter Christian Falk.
The journalist was the one who confirmed that the Gunners did make a Deadline Day approach for the German international at the start of this week.
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Writing on his personal website, Falk said that, while Goretzka was not open to moving clubs this month, things could be different when he leaves the Allianz Arena on a free transfer this summer:
“This was a very interesting option for the German, but at this point, he’d already decided he wouldn’t move in the winter. When Atletico Madrid knocked at his door, he made an official statement on his Instagram account – as did Bayern Munich. It’s not the way of Goretzka to break his word at the last minute – even for Arsenal!”
“I think he has a good idea for the Premier League. He believes his playing style suits the English top-flight. There’s still, also, the interest from Atletico Madrid, so plenty of options for the future. Italy is also an opportunity, with interest from Juventus, Milan, Napoli. Arsenal, of course, would have been interesting for the midfielder, but the offer came too late on deadline day, which didn’t leave anyone enough time to react. What a pity for Arsenal and Goretzka!”
Will Arsenal still be interested in Goretzka?
Mikel Arteta’s side made a move for the 31-year-old after discovering that Mikel Merino could be sidelined for a while with a foot injury. His father recently revealed that the Spaniard has a stress fracture.
They clearly wanted Goretzka as a stop-gap solution, so it is seems unlikely that they will revisit the situation in the summer.
The club want Bouaddi instead
Arsenal are looking to strengthen their options in the middle of the park, but they are expected to pursue targets who are much younger than Goretzka.
Sporting director Andrea Berta has been speaking to the agents of Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi in recent months, although the Gunners face a fight with Paris Saint-Germain for the 18-year-old.
Read more about the Arsenal First Team Squad for 2025/26 here