AC Milan’s attempts to sign Leon Goretzka are being made more difficult by the huge demands, according to a report.
As the summer approaches, rumours surrounding Goretzka continue to grow. The German midfielder’s contract with Bayern Munich expires and he has already announced he will not renew his deal, so he will leave on a free.
At 31, Goretzka is keen to secure the last major contract of his career and play at a high level. According to Calciomercato.com, Inter and Milan have already approached him, but Arsenal are among the teams linked too.
Not a ‘free transfer’
When going for players on a Bosman, you have to take into account that the asking prices – both for wages and signing bonuses – are higher in the absence of a transfer fee. This is also the case with Goretzka, who currently earns €7m at Bayern Munich and wants the same from his next club.
To the huge salary, we must add a significant signing bonus, between €8-10m. This would therefore be a significant deal, especially for the budgets of Italian teams. Milan are willing to try, but not at those prices, especially given their stance on commissions.
It will be very difficult to see the player arrive at Milanello if those are the figures, even if the directors would like to give Allegri another international-level player to pair with Luka Modric, or to help replace him if he leaves.
Inter directors Piero Ausilio and Dario Baccin were at the New Balance Arena to watch the match between Atalanta and Bayern Munich. They weren’t there only for Goretzka, partly because the German only came on at the end, but will have kept an eye on him.
As Bild report, Arsenal did not make an offer in January for Goretzka despite reports, but have made it clear that they are very interested. The player for his part would love a move to the Premier League and Arsenal would have no problem paying a salary of €7m plus the signing-on fee.