Exclusive: Frontrunner named in Arsenal and Tottenham race to sign Leon Goretzka
Arsenal currently “hold the edge” over Tottenham in the race to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka, sources have told Football Insider.
The Germany international is set to leave the Bavarian giants as a free agent when his contract expires in the summer, and there is expected to be a whole host of interest from the Premier League.
Arsenal and Tottenham are currently the main suitors for the 31-year-old, and sources have indicated that Mikel Arteta’s side hold the cards due to their likely ability to offer Champions League football.
Atletico Madrid are also keen to try and launch a move Goretzka, who wants to play at the highest possible level as he begins to look for a new challenge.
Agent whispers back up Arsenal advantage for Leon Goretzka
Former Aston Villa and Everton chief executive Keith Wyness recently told Football Insider that he has heard whispers from agents that Arsenal are pushing hardest to sign Goretzka.
The former Schalke man is set to take on a new challenge next term after eight full seasons at the Allianz Arena, and the Premier League appears to be an appealing option for him at the moment.
Wyness outlined that he has heard Goretzka is keen on the idea of a move to London, which gives strong hope of a deal to both sides of the North London rivalry.
Arsenal have the obvious benefit of being able to offer Champions League football to a player who has already tasted glory in that competition at Bayern, but Spurs would likely provide less competition for places.
Given that a player of Goretzka’s quality will be available without the need for a transfer fee, it would be no surprise if several more clubs came to the table in the coming months.
Ian Wright makes his feelings clear over Goretzka transfer
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has already made it clear that he would be desperate to see Goretzka pull on the shirt of his former club before the end of his career.
The former striker is a strong admirer of the German, and that was clear to see by the comments that he made on his Wrighty’s House podcast back in 2023.
The pundit urged Arteta to “go and get him” when links emerged with Goretzka on that occasion, as he insisted that there was “no way” that the project at the Emirates Stadium wouldn’t appeal to the star.
Wright did not see his wishes realised on that occasion, but it could be a different story for the Gunners this time around.
Goretzka has continued to be a key part of Bayern’s success under Vincent Kompany so far this term, and his place as a genuine top-level talent is undisputed after years of success.