Leon Goretzka is reportedly keen on joining Barcelona next summer amid interest from Arsenal and Manchester United.
According to a report by German publication Bild, Leon Goretzka is considering joining either Barcelona or Bayern Munich when his contract with Schalke expires next summer. Arsenal and Manchester United are interested in signing the German midfielder as well while Schalke are attempting to tie him down to a new deal.
Goretzka is currently one of the hottest properties in German football and is widely considered to be among the most promising young midfield talents in Europe at the present moment. The player progressed through the ranks at Vfl Bochum before moving to Schalke in the summer of 2013.
Upon joining Die Konigsblauen, Goretzka has made steady progress in his career and is now a mainstay in midfield for both club and country. Last season, the 22-year-old made 30 Bundesliga appearances for Schalke, with a return of five goals and as many assists to show for his efforts.
Sport Bild:
According to sources close to the player, Goretzka, who is a free agent next summer, is only interested in Barça and Bayern. pic.twitter.com/njq9h5zbxu— ~ (@UltraAutistic) September 20, 2017
His efforts have not only earned him a regular place for the German national side, but also helped him attract interest from some of the biggest clubs in the world.
The Premier League in particular, has seen some prominent names register their interest in Goretzka, with Manchester City and Liverpool making attempts to sign him this past summer. While their interest in the player seems to have cooled off, Arsenal and Manchester United have continued monitoring him.
Arsenal have, in fact, held a long-time interest in Goretzka, with midfield being an area of concern for Arsene Wenger. The Gunners are in need of recruiting a player capable of controlling the tempo of the game, and the German midfielder brings just the qualities that Wenger is looking for.
Manchester United’s interest in Goretzka perhaps stems from the fact that Michael Carrick is approaching the end of his glittering career. While the 22-year-old won’t exactly be a like for like replacement at Old Trafford, his ability to manage the pace of the game will make him a viable successor.
However, as per the report by Bild, Goretzka is eager to join either Barcelona or Bayern Munich instead of making a move to the Premier League – a cruel blow to Arsenal and Manchester United.
Leon Goretzka: Has won possession in the midfield 3rd more times (226) than any other Bundesliga player since August 2015 pic.twitter.com/CfM3zTWrYe
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) September 4, 2017
Bayern Munich have a plethora of midfield options, which have been further beefed up by the arrival of Corentin Tolisso in the summer. Therefore, it will be interesting to see if Carlo Ancelotti decides to bolster his midfield further next summer by signing Goretzka.
Barcelona, on the other hand, are eager to find a long-term successor for Andres Iniesta, who is in the twilight years of his career and has his future at Camp Nou under a cloud, having yet to agree on a renewal. Goretzka, with his calm head and the ability to control the tempo of the game, is a viable target for Barcelona.
Meanwhile, Schalke are desperately trying to tie the player down to a new deal, with his current contract set to expire next summer. But, with Die Konigsblauen struggling to be a Top 4 contender in Bundesliga on a consistent basis, the impasse between the two parties is set to continue with Goretzka eager to achieve his lofty ambitions.
It, therefore, remains to be seen if the player gets his wish to move to Bayern or Barcelona, or if either Arsenal or Manchester United succeed in bringing him to England.
