Arsenal and Manchester United are reportedly keen on signing 31-year-old Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka in a Bosman move this summer.
According to a report by Gazzetta dello Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Arsenal and Manchester United are interested in Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka. The two Premier League giants are keen on reinforcing their first-team squads by signing a versatile midfielder in the upcoming transfer window.
Arsenal and Manchester United have “already made moves for the [soon-to-be] free agent” ahead of the summer. However, the English heavyweights are not alone in the battle for Goretzka’s signature, as AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Juventus are also keen on signing the Bayern Munich midfielder.
How has Leon Goretzka fared at Bayern Munich so far?
Leon Goretzka has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining Bayern Munich from FC Schalke 04 in July 2018. The experienced midfielder was among the world’s most promising young midfielders when he arrived at the Allianz Arena seven and a half years ago. However, while the 31-year-old has enjoyed some bright phases, he has been in and out of the starting lineup in recent seasons.
Goretzka has made over 300 appearances for Bayern Munich thus far while chipping in with 48 goals and 50 assists. However, the 69-cap German international’s spell with the Bavarian outfit will end after the 2025/26 season, with the situation alerting several high-profile clubs. Arsenal and Manchester United are among the prospective suitors vying for his signature. Meanwhile, the player, who pockets €9 million-a-year wages at Bayern, wants an annual salary of €7 million at his next club.
Will Goretzka move to the Premier League this year?
Arsenal’s interest in Leon Goretzka makes sense. While Mikel Arteta has a stacked midfield unit in his squad, Christian Norgaard faces an uncertain future at the Emirates despite joining the North London club last summer. Additionally, having more options will allow the Arsenal manager to rotate Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi more efficiently.
As for Manchester United, the Red Devils are combing the market for a versatile midfielder. Casemiro will leave the Premier League club as a free agent in the coming weeks, while Manuel Ugarte has been horrendous since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain nearly two years ago. So, Goretzka, who can play as a holding midfielder as well as he does as a box-to-box midfielder, is an option worth considering for Manchester United.
With Arsenal and Manchester United “making moves” to sign Goretzka, a summer move to the Premier League may be on the cards for the 69-cap German international. Additionally, the two English giants should have the funds to satisfy his €7 million-a-year salary demands.