It looks like Arsenal really did try to swing for Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka after all.
Goretzka, 30, is in his final few months at Bayern now that the club has officially decided not to renew his expiring contract. But while the Gunners are also credible Champions League contenders — finishing #1 to Bayern’s #2 in the League Phase table — the German international decided to stick it out right where he is.
Reports filtered in late in the January window that Arsenal was sniffing around. But now, per Sport Bild, it is being reported just how far Mikel Arteta went to try and get Goretzka. As captured by @iMiaSanMia:
Arsenal submitted an offer to Leon Goretzka on deadline day, but the player said ‘no’ and insisted that he wanted to finish the season at Bayern and then take the next step in the summer. The Premier League is Goretzka’s preferred destination. Should Arsenal make another move, it would be an option for him [@cfbayern, @itstheicebird]
So there was something after all? More than that — a submitted offer, even. Apparently Arsenal’s interest was quite concrete, although once Mikel Merino returns from injury it is hard to say if the Gunners will still look to add another veteran to their midfield.
It is another indication that Goretzka remains well thought of outside of Bayern, but when he moves this summer, it would still be surprising to see Arsenal among the candidates.
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
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