Arsenal are reportedly leading the race to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka ahead of their north London rivals Tottenham, according to Christian Falk.
The Gunners and Spurs have regularly competed for the same targets in recent years, but that could be about to change in the coming months.
Tottenham are facing the serious threat of relegation, and that's going to make it incredibly difficult for them to attract their targets, even if they manage to stay in the Premier League.
Arsenal are, undoubtedly, the more attractive prospect at the moment, as they are almost guaranteed to be able to offer Champions League football ahead of next season.
Spurs are unlikely to qualify for any European competition, unless they can somehow win the Champions League despite their dismal form.
Arsenal Beating Tottenham in Race for Midfielder
Leon Goretzka
According to journalist Falk, Arsenal are leading the race to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Goretzka in the summer transfer window. It's claimed that the German international would 'love' to play for the Gunners, and he would prefer a move to the Emirates Stadium than to join their north London rivals, Tottenham.
"The player’s goal is to move to the Premier League; he would love to play for Arsenal. Of course, he can’t guarantee that Arsenal will come back again in the summer with a concrete offer. In his heart, he feels this would be a perfect next club.
I heard he loves the Premier League and his playing style suits English football. However, he’s not focused on one club and only one club this summer. If Arsenal are there, he’d be more than happy to sit at the table and listen to offers.
Tottenham are also interested, and that could be an option, but Spurs are not as attractive an option as Arsenal right now."
It's not a huge surprise that Goretzka would prefer a move to the Gunners, but it will be interesting to see whether they do make a move in the summer, considering his contract situation.
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Goretzka's Contract Situation
Germany's Leon Goretzka celebrates vs Italy
Bayern Munich previously confirmed that Goretzka will be leaving the Bundesliga club when his contract expires in the summer.
As a result, Arsenal will be able to secure his signature on a free transfer, which might make it a low-risk, high-reward addition.
His wages could complicate matters, with journalist Falk also claiming previously that he earns in the region of £300,000-a-week with Bayern.
It remains to be seen whether he'd be looking to receive a similar figure, but it feels unlikely that he would take a paycut when he knows the Gunners can sign him without paying a transfer fee.
Would Goretzka Suit Arteta's Style?
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
GIVEMESPORT asked ChatGPT whether a play of Goretzka's skillset would suit Mikel Arteta's style of play.
Leon Goretzka offers physicality, vertical running and goal threat from midfield.
In Mikel Arteta’s positional system at Arsenal FC, he could operate as an advanced No.8 attacking the box.
His aerial strength and late runs would add another scoring dimension from midfield.
Off the ball, Goretzka’s pressing intensity fits Arsenal’s aggressive counter-pressing structure.
However, Arteta often prioritises tight-space technicians in build-up phases.
Goretzka is more vertical and power-based than Arsenal’s typical midfield profile.
With the right positional discipline, though, his athleticism and goal threat could still complement Arsenal’s system.