Tottenham and Arsenal could go head-to-head for the signing of a Bayern Munich midfielder in the summer.
The Leon Goretzka saga was one of the talking points in the recently concluded winter transfer window.
The Bayern Munich midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season, and the Bavarian giants have already announced that he will leave the club as a free agent. Tottenham were one of several clubs that showed an interest in signing Leon Goretzka. Atletico Madrid also attempted to lure him from the Allianz Arena, while Arsenal submitted an offer on deadline day in the wake of Mikel Merino’s injury. However, Goretzka did not want to leave Bayern Munich before the end of the season as Vincent Kompany’s side remain in contention to win the treble.
It is understood that the Premier League is the German midfielder’s preferred destination after he ends his career with Bayern Munich.
German journalist predicts a potential north London battle for Leon Goretzka
According to journalist Heiko Niedderer, Tottenham and Arsenal could go head-to-head for the signing of Goretzka on a potential free transfer from Bayern.
“We know about the negotiations with Atlético Madrid, which were quite advanced,” Heiko Niedderer was quoted by BILD.
“Arsenal also jumped in and made an offer. But Goretzka had already decided to make a clean break and look for something new in the summer.
“In this case, it worked out well; it sounds like a clean break. Arsenal could be another exciting option in the summer, though. England, in general, is his preferred destination.
“And I think that’s where he belongs with his style of play. Tottenham is also a possibility; I’d be happy with that as well.”
Goretzka faces a big decision on his future
Goretzka is not going to be short of suitors when he becomes a free agent at the end of the season, but his desire to play in the Premier League should be welcome news for both Spurs and Arsenal. However, the six-time Bundesliga winner’s preference appears to be joining Arsenal.
After missing out on Eberechi Eze last summer and then watching the playmaker net a hat-trick in the north London derby at the Emirates Stadium in November 2025, there is a growing fear of a possible repeat when it comes to the Bayern star. Given that the Tottenham fans have been frustrated with the lack of control, poise and creativity in midfield this season, Goretzka will be a good fit. But if the Gunners end up fortifying interest in his services, then Frank’s Tottenham could find themselves on the back foot once again.
It is very obvious that Mikel Arteta will be keen to further polish his squad in the summer by bringing in the experienced Goretzka on a potential free transfer. And that is the sort of challenge that the Lilywhites will likely face in most of the marquee targets. We will see how this pans out.