Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in German midfielder Leon Goretzka who is currently playing for Bundesliga side Schalke. According to the Sunday Mirror, Tottenham are getting ready to battle arch-rivals Arsenal for the signature of this midfielder.

The 22-year-old has been on the Gunners’ radar for quite some time as Goretzka is a well-known target for Arsene Wenger. However, Tottenham scouts have entered the race and have attended almost all of Schalke’s games last month, to check the progress of the midfielder.

I call it a race because Goretzka is courted by a number of clubs across England and Europe. Tottenham and Arsenal have been joined by Liverpool in registering their interest from the Premier League while Barcelona and Bayern Munich are also reportedly interested in signing him.

One of the reasons for this increased interest in the player is the state of his current contract. Goretzka’s deal with Schalke expires next summer and the player is showing little – or dare I say, no – interest in extending it. That means the prospect of the player turning a free agent next summer is very high. Also, he would be free to enter into a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs in January itself.

To top that, Goretzka is the ‘type of player’ that Daniel Levy usually likes to bring in. He is young, has great potential and will come cheap, as his deal is nearing completion.

Also, Goretzka’s exploits with his club and nation this year have increased his chances of getting chosen for Germany’s World Cup team next year. Provided that he continues his good form on the biggest stage, his value could only increase.

Isn’t it ideal for Tottenham to make a move? Yes, of course, but there is a catch in all this. The midfielder is reportedly interested in a move to Barcelona or Bayern, and Tottenham is not in his list of potential destinations.

Both those clubs could pounce on the idea of signing such a huge talent for free, which puts Tottenham’s chances of landing him, next to nothing.