Arsenal made enquiries in the January transfer window to sign a central midfielder and will return to Bayern Munich in the summer when Leon Goretzka becomes a free agent
Leon Goretzka
Leon Goretzka will become a free agent in the summer(Image: Ibrahim OT / AFP via Getty Images)
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Arsenal will be among the sides attempting to sign Leon Goretzka on a free transfer in the summer. The Gunners reportedly made unsuccessful enquiries about the Bayern Munich star in January - but they could have an advantage at the end of the season.
Arsenal were keen to sign a central midfielder in January after losing Mikel Merino to a broken foot. Goretzka and Newcastle's Sandro Tonali were among those linked with a move to north London, only for Mikel Arteta's side to end the window without any reinforcements.
Goretzka's contract with Bayern is due to expire at the end of June and he attracted a lot of attention in January. Arsenal and Atletico Madrid both made offers to the 31-year-old Germany international, but he decided to stay put and finish the campaign with Vincent Kompany's side, who are in contention to win the Bundesliga, the Champions League and the DFB Pokal.
He will not be short of offers in the summer, with Arsenal and Atleti being joined by AC Milan, Juventus and Napoli, according to Bild. Arsenal could have an advantage over their rivals, however, because Goretzka is particularly keen to play in the Premier League, which he believes would perfectly suit his style.
Goretzka has been with Bayern since 2018 and has helped them win six Bundesliga titles, as well as the Champions League and two DFB Pokals. He has made 292 appearances for Bayern, with 47 goals and 48 assists to his name.
The interest in his services was no secret over January and Bayern were happy to hold onto their experienced campaigner. Bayern’s sporting director Christoph Freund said last month: "Leon feels very much at home in this club and this team. Despite several quality inquiries, he has decided to stay here until the end of the season.
Leon Goretzka of FC Bayern Munich
Leon Goretzka has spent eight years at Bayern Munich(Image: ANP via Getty Images)
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"After open and constructive talks, we have come to the conclusion together that he will seek out a new challenge in the summer. It’ll be eight years at Bayern – eight extremely successful years with a strong person and player. Leon will give his all up to the summer to win as many more titles with the team as possible."
Arsenal signed central midfielders Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard in the summer transfer window and also have Merino, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze as options in the middle of the park.
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