Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has made Schalke’s German midfielder Leon Goretzka his primary transfer target this summer, with Barcelona’s Rafinha only a back-up option should a move for Goretzka fall through, according to a report from the Daily Star.
The 22-year-old’s contract at German Bundesliga club Schalke expires next summer so they may be willing to cash in on the highly-rated midfielder this summer with Arsenal poised to make a move. Bayern Munich are also interested in signing the former Bochum starlet.
Frenchman Wenger is a huge admirer of Goretzka, who was the stand out player for Germany on their way to winning the Confederations Cup this summer in Russia.
Goretzka was in top form last season in the Bundesliga and managed to find the back of the net eight times whilst also registering six assists from midfield.
The news first broke through Italian journalist Emanuele Giulianelli, who said: “Disregard the Rafinha rumours, Arsenal fans. I can confirm that Leon Goretzka is the real target.
“The Schalke 04 player is of great interest for Arsene Wenger, but at the present moment the German club don’t want him to leave.”
The German club are hoping to convince Goretzka to sign a new long term contract at the club but with Arsenal interested and a move to the Premier League an option, that may not happen.
The North London club have also been linked with Rafinha from Barcelona but Wenger isn’t keen on him at the moment.
The Gunners have already signed Sead Kolasinac from Schalke this summer and are hoping that Goretzka follows.
