Arsenal are attentive to the situation of Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka, who has been offered to Atletico Madrid, according to AS (page 26).
The Gunners are exploring the transfer market for a marquee midfielder, and Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes has emerged as a top target this month.
The club have already made a verbal offer worth £55 million for the Brazilian, and they are poised to return with a fresh approach for the 28-year-old.
AS now report that Goretzka is expected to leave Bayern when his contract expires on June 30.
Atletico, who were interested in signing the 31-year-old midfielder at the start of the year, have been offered his services through his representative.
The La Liga outfit were initially keen on landing Sporting CP star Morten Hjulmand, but have been reluctant to meet the £35-39 million asking price.
The Spanish outlet add that the Gunners are also ‘attentive’ to Goretzka’s situation, having previously explored a move for him on deadline day last winter.
Arsenal’s priorities have changed since February
Mikel Arteta’s side were linked with a deadline day move for Goretzka in early February after Mikel Merino was ruled out with a long-term foot injury.
However, nothing materialised beyond the speculation. The German preferred to see out his contract with Bayern before pursuing a free transfer in the summer.
Arsenal have been linked again with the experienced midfielder, but their priorities seem to have changed this summer, with the focus on a big-money acquisition.
Goretzka was viewed as an emergency solution after Merino’s injury, but he may not be considered as an upgrade despite his longevity with the German champions.
The Schalke 04 graduate had a good passing accuracy of 91 percent, but he is not the strongest in duels, with a success rate of only 49 percent in the Bundesliga last term.
His aerial duel winning success rate stood at just 37 percent. Arsenal could view him as a squad player to replace Christian Norgaard if he were to join on a free transfer.
Goretzka, on the other hand, may want assured starting minutes. He is more likely to join Atletico or another European club that guarantees a consistent starting role.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com