Arsenal given fresh hope of signing Champions League winner

Leon Goretzka has given Arsenal fresh hope of a securing a summer deal for his services after talking up the possibility of a move abroad when he leaves Bayern Munich at the end of the campaign.

The 31-year-old midfielder put an end to the feeling of uncertainty surrounding his future in January as he announced that this season would be his last at the Allianz Arena.

Since arriving at Bayern from Schalke back in 2018, Goretzka has gone on to make a total of 297 appearances in all competitions for the German champions.

In that time, the Germany international has lifted 15 pieces of silverware, including five Bundesliga titles and the 2019/20 Champions League trophy.

But Goretzka has allowed his contract at Bayern to run down with a view to seeking a fresh opportunity elsewhere – and the central midfielder will be available of a free transfer when the summer window opens for business.

Reports emanating out of Germany last month claimed Premier League leaders Arsenal were planning further discussions to sign Goretzka after making with a late enquiry over the winter.

The likes of Tottenham and Atletico Madrid have also been credited with a strong interest in the former Schalke and VfL Bochum man in recent weeks.

On his decision to bring an end to his spell with Bayern, Goretzka told Sky Deutschland: ‘I had already said it when I announced my decision, that I had the feeling that now was the time to leave.

‘Maybe it’s the last chance I have to go abroad.

‘I do want to play really competitive football again.’

Goretzka is determined to keep the talk and speculation over his future in the background season, with Bayern fighting for silverware on three fronts.

‘We’ll see what opportunities come up,’ he added.

‘I’m totally relaxed about it. I’ll just let it all come to me.’

Asked whether he is more of a ‘sun’ or an ‘English rain’ type, Goretzka joked: ‘Who doesn’t like the sun, right?

‘But I certainly won’t make my next stop dependent on the weather.

‘We’ll find something nice.’

According to a report from The Daily Telegraph this week, Arsenal are prepared to offload several first-team stars to balance the books and make room for new additions in the summer transfer window.

The report claims Gabriel Martinelli, Ben White and club captain Martin Odegaard are among those candidates who could make their way out of the Emirates.

It comes after the Gunners spent in the region of £260million on new signings last summer, with Martin Zubimendi, Eberechi Eze, Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Christhian Norgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Piero Hincapie all arriving through the doors.

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