Real Madrid have pulled out of the race to sign Schalke midfielder Leon Goreztka, leaving Arsenal and Manchester City to fight it out over the German international, according to Sport.
The Catalan newspaper says the 22 year old could be available for as little as €15million (£13.4m) but that number seems to conflict with Schalke sporting director’s most recent comments about the potential transfer fee.
Speaking to Sport Bild last week, Christian Heidel said the player would not be sold for €20m-€30m which suggests a bid of over £27m could be enough to sign the attacking midfielder.
Goretzka has just one year left on his current contract at the Veltins-Arena and there has been no sign that he is prepared to put pen to paper on a new deal. It was suggested by Bild that a staggered release clause may have been proposed for the new contract, whereby his sale price would be reduced each summer, but it seems the player wants to leave the German side sooner rather than later.
