Arsenal reportedly made last-gasp swoop for Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka at the close of the January transfer window.
The German giants revealed on Friday last week that Goretzka, 31, would be leaving Bavaria at the end of the season when his contract expires, calling an end to his fruitful eight-year spell at the club.
Goretzka, who arrived from fellow Bundesliga outfit Schalke in 2018, has been an integral part of Bayern Munich’s team over most of the last decade, winning six domestic titles and a Champions League trophy in 2020.
Keen to bolster Mikel Arteta’s options in midfield, Arsenal reportedly tabled a offer at the eleventh hour for Goretzka on deadline day.
According to German newspaper BILD, the player made a conscious decision not to leave Bayern Munich in the short-term, eager to play out the remainder of his contract at the Allianz Arena before leaving in the summer.
It is claimed that Goretzka does not want to rush his future ahead of the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer, choosing to stay put and ponder his options carefully.
Arsenal reportedly made last-gasp swoop for Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka
Goretzka (far right) has been an integral part of Bayern Munich’s team over the last eight years
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side are in pole position to claim multiple trophies this season
The Gunners sit six points clear at the summit of the Premier League table and finished top of the Champions League group phase, establishing themselves as a favourite to win the tournament.
They will, however, face stiff competition for Goretzka in the summer with AC Milan, Napoli, Juventus and Atletico Madrid among the European teams who have already shown interest in the midfielder.
According to the German newspaper, Goretzka is convinced that his playing style is a perfect fit for the Premier League and is keen to explore a move to England, with Tottenham another club being considered.
Prior to Arsenal’s late swoop, the 31-year-old star had already rejected an approach from Atletico Madrid in January.
Before deadline day, Goretzka said: ‘As much as I am honoured by the interest from international top clubs, I have made a clear decision for myself to remain at FC Bayern until the end of the season.
‘At the same time, the club and I have decided in good and constructive talks that our successful time together will come to an end in the summer.
‘As I have said before, this is also the right moment for me to open a new chapter once again, both as a footballer and as a person.’
