Arsenal are keen on signing Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka on a free transfer next summer, according to Tuttojuve.
The 31-year-old has enjoyed a highly successful eight-year spell at Bayern since arriving from FC Schalke 04 in 2018. He has played a central role in the club’s dominance, making 302 appearances across all competitions while registering 98 goal contributions.
During his time in Munich, he has also built an impressive collection of honours, including six Bundesliga titles, three German Cups, the UEFA Champions League, and the UEFA Super Cup.
Despite remaining a regular in domestic competition with 25 league appearances, his reduced involvement in Europe suggests his role has diminished.
He has managed just 174 minutes in the Champions League group stage, with his only start coming in the second leg of the round-of-16 tie against Atalanta – a match effectively settled after a 6-1 first-leg victory.
In January, both the club and Goretzka confirmed they would part ways at the end of the season after mutually agreeing not to extend his contract, with several clubs now expected to compete for his signature.
One of the clubs looking to sign him is Arsenal, according to Tuttojuve, which claims that the Premier League leaders have set their sights on the 31-year-old.
The report adds that the North Londoners are looking to add an experienced midfielder and have earmarked him as a viable option for that role.
Bargain
While AC Milan, Juventus, and Marseille have also expressed interest in Goretzka, Arsenal hold the upper hand in signing him, having held initial discussions about his transfer in the January transfer window, according to the report.
In a boost to the Gunners, the Italian outlet adds that the German international prefers a move to England, with Mikel Arteta’s side now keen.
Although Arsenal have Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, and Christian Nørgaard as central midfield options, the Gunners will still need not just additional depth but a quality one to compete on all fronts next season, especially to help prevent fatigue.
In addition, none of the current options quite possesses the top-flight experience at the biggest stages, both club and international, like Goretzka.
Hence, a move for the German midfielder, valued at £13m by Transfermarkt, on a bargain free transfer would be a shrewd piece of business and a bold statement of intent towards sustaining their dominance beyond the ongoing season.