Bundesliga star responds to Arsenal switch provide after Gunners’ crushing harm blow
Arsenal reportedly made a late move to sign the midfielder in the January transfer window
Mikel Arteta failed to strengthen his Arsenal squad in January(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal launched a last-gasp bid to secure Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka during the dying moments of the January transfer window.
Goretzka, 31, is set to depart the Bavarian giants when his existing deal runs out at the season’s end. The midfielder has spent eight years with the club but is ready to embark on a fresh adventure for the 2026/27 campaign.
However, German publication BILD claims Arsenal were desperate to land him and submitted a proposal for the ex-Schalke star in the final stages of the winter window. But it’s understood that Goretzka opted against a mid-season departure from Munich and is determined to honour the remaining months of his agreement.
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AC Milan, Napoli, Juventus, and Atletico Madrid are all reportedly circling Goretzka ahead of his summer availability. BILD suggests the midfielder believes his style of play would suit the Premier League perfectly, with Tottenham also monitoring his situation.
“As much as I am honoured by the interest from international top clubs, I have made a clear decision to myself to remain at FC Bayern until the end of the season,” Goretzka declared before deadline day.
“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.”
Arsenal were hunting for a fresh central midfielder towards the end of the transfer window after Mikel Merino’s injury setback. The 29-year-old has been absent for the previous three matches following a foot problem sustained in the 3-2 defeat to Manchester United.
The duration of Merino’s absence remains unclear, with his father recently stating there is “uncertainty” surrounding his recovery timeline as the player requires surgery. Before the window shut, Mikel Arteta acknowledged the club was weighing up a late swoop for cover.
“Of course,” he responded when questioned whether Merino’s injury would alter Arsenal’s final transfer plans. “When you lose a big player like this in the squad, with four months to go and other competitions to play for, you need to look.
“We need to do everything that we possibly can to see if we have a player that is available. If we don’t, OK, we keep what we have.
“At this level, especially for four months, you have to bring a player who has the capacity to adapt immediately and impact the team. That’s not easy but if it was easy we wouldn’t be here. We need to find solutions and try.”
