Champions League winner picks Arsenal as his next club

Tom Weber
Tom Weber
  • 25 Mar 2026 04:01 GMT
  • 4 min read
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal
© IMAGO

Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka is ready to join Arsenal on a free transfer this summer.

Article continues under the video

The 31-year-old will be on the move after the conclusion of the season. For years, Bayern have tried in vain to get Goretzka's hefty wages off their payroll. The Germany international, however, refused to let himself be pushed out of the club.

He stayed and successfully fought for his place. His determination was rewarded with a starring role in Vincent Kompany's Bundesliga-leading side, and he is also expected to be a starter for his country at the World Cup.

Current ETV
Player image Leon Goretzka
Leon Goretzka

M, DM (C)

Bayern logo

Bayern

Leon Goretzka
Leon Goretzka

M, DM (C)

Bayern

Bayern

€13.4M

ETV Range

€12M - €14.7M

Before Goretzka takes part in his third World Cup, he will announce his next club. His contract expires this summer, allowing him to freely choose his future employer, and the expectation is that the veteran midfielder will embark on a fresh challenge outside of Germany.

Goretzka's physical style of play is believed to be ideally suited to the Premier League. According to Calciomercato, this is exactly where the midfielder is planning to move to.

Goretzka favours Arsenal over Milan

The Italian outlet reports that Goretzka favours a move to Arsenal over AC Milan, despite the positive relationship between his agency and Rossoneri director Igli Tare.

While meeting Goretzka's financial demands would be a challenge for Milan, it is understood that he is a dream target for the San Siro club. They are desperate to sign him. However, their efforts could be futile if Arsenal get serious about their interest in the German.

Leon Goretzka
© IMAGO - Leon Goretzka

The Gunners briefly explored a move at the end of January after Mikel Merino suffered a long-term injury, but Goretzka had already announced that he would only move in the summer at that point.

A move to the North London giants holds great appeal to Goretzka. His mentality and title-winning pedigree would be a great addition to Mikel Arteta's team, but it remains to be seen whether the Gunners are willing to pay a substantial salary plus signing bonus on a 31-year-old short-term option.

Atletico Madrid, who were in advanced talks to sign Goretzka in January, remain interested, while Inter and Juventus have also begun analysing a potential free transfer move.

Football transfer news headlines today

Transfer Rumours: Man Utd move '100% decided' as €350m bid breaks the market

Exclusive: Tottenham told to get back to 'real football' by club legend

Exclusive: Cole Palmer receives Man Utd transfer verdict

Exclusive: Arsenal receive Sandro Tonali transfer warning

Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Vinicius Jr contract, Enzo Fernandez latest, Spurs next manager

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:

Google Play

App Store

Never miss the next big transfer!

Get the latest transfer insights and analyses directly in your mailbox.