Arsenal have reportedly enquired about a Bayern Munich star after Mikel Arteta suffered an injury blow to his midfield earlier this month
16:50, 02 Feb 2026
Leon Goretzka
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Leon Goretzka is out of contract in the summer(Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal look set to take deals down to the wire on Transfer Deadline Day, ahead of the 7pm cut off, with Mikel Arteta ready to dive into the market at the eleventh hour.
Merino, 29, suffered a foot injury in his Arsenal's loss to Manchester United last week. Arteta has since confirmed a bone injury in the player's right foot that will require surgery.
And according to talkSPORT, Arteta has enquired about the German midfielder - however, a move for the midfielder at this stage appears unlikely. Goretzka is set to leave Bayern in the summer when his contract runs out.
München, Germany - November 29: Leon Goretzka of FC Bayern München looks on during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and FC St. Pauli at Allianz Arena on November 29, 2025 in München, Germany. (Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
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Leon Goretzka has been at Bayern Munich since 2018(Image: Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
Bayern and Goretzka had been in talks, but decided not to extend the player’s contract. The German international has been in Munich since 2018 and has lifted six Bundesliga titles and two DFB Cups with Bayern.
He has also won the domestic Supercup three times, the 2020 Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
Bayern's sporting director, Christoph Freund, said: “Leon feels very much at home in this club and this team.
Mikel Arteta has responded to Arsenal offering Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain a contract
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Mikel Arteta could dive into the market(Image: (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images))
"Despite several quality inquiries, he has decided to stay here until the end of the season. 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.”
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 25: Mikel Merino of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 25, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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Mikel Merino requires surgery on a foot injury(Image: James Gill - Danehouse, Getty Images)
Speaking about Merino, Arteta said: "Mikel will have surgery in the coming days and will then begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme," a club statement read.
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"Mikel is expected to be out of action for an extended period, with the aim of returning to full training before the end of the season."