Arsenal are reportedly leading the race to sign Germany international Leon Goretzka on a free transfer this summer, as the Bayern Munich midfielder is set to leave the Allianz Arena in June and is keen on a move to the Premier League.
Goretzka, 31, has been one of the most decorated central midfielders in European football over the past decade. He has won six Bundesliga titles and a Champions League in his eight years in Munich.
His time there is coming to an end, and reports indicate that Bayern has decided against offering him a new deal.
The prospect of signing a player of his experience for nothing has attracted a long queue of clubs, including Inter Milan, AC Milan, Juventus, Bayer Leverkusen and Atletico Madrid.
Arsenal, however, are in front. The German’s preference for the Premier League is the deciding factor, and the north London club can offer him Champions League football next season if they hold on to win the title.
According to Goal, the Gunners made a concrete move for him on transfer deadline day in January, when Mikel Merino’s injury left Arteta short of options in midfield. Goretzka turned it down, having already given his word to Bayern that he would see out the season.
The 31-year-old is understood to be asking for a three-year contract worth €6.5 million net per season, roughly £112,000 a week, which is a significant but manageable outlay for a free transfer of his calibre.
Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen are also keen but are expected to struggle to match those wage demands, which gives Arsenal and the Premier League clubs a clear advantage.
