Bayern Munich star makes decision on Arsenal transfer and makes demands clear | Football

Bayern Munich star Leon Goretzka has a clear transfer preference ahead of the summer window when he is due to become a free agent.

The 31-year-old has spent the last seven years at the Allianz Arena and remains a key part of Vincent Kompany’s squad which looks destined to retain their Bundesliga title and go deep into this season’s Champions League.

Goretzka has made 41 appearances for club and country this term an looks certain to play a central role in Germany’s upcoming World Cup campaign after he was included in Julian Nagelsmann’s latest squad.

‘As things stand, despite Leon having had less playing time at Bayern, he will have a good chance of playing and taking on a similar role to the one he had in the World Cup qualifiers,’ said Nagelsmann earlier this month.

‘He’s someone who gets into the penalty area, is strong in the air and brings real physical presence’

The experienced Champions League winner already appears to have taken the decision to seek a fresh challenge once his current contract expires and a number of leading European teams have already registered an interest

Goretzka is said to be seeking a three-year deal worth €7million per year plus €10m signing on bonus which could offput several of his Serie A suitors including Juventus, Inter and AC Milan.

In any case, Calciomercato report Gortetzka’s clear preference is to join Arsenal despite the already intense level of competition that exists in Mikel Arteta’s squad.

Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi have formed an effective partnership this season with Mikel Merino, prior to a serious foot injury, and Christian Norgaard providing back-up.

Ethan Nwaneri, meanwhile, is likely to return from his loan spell at Marseille for the start of next season and the expectation is that fellow Hale End Academy graduate, Myles Lewis-Skelly, will be offered opportunities in his preferred role.

Norgaard appears the most likely to move on given he has been used sparingly since his cut-price move from Brentford in the summer.

Arsenal had been short of options following the exits of Jorginho and Thomas Partey, but Zubimendi’s rapid adaptation and availability have meant he has been a near ever-present.

Denmark international Norgaard was linked with a January move to Ajax and the Dutch side could reignite their interest after the World Cup.

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