Bayern Munich have for the first time publicly admitted their interest in Schalke midfielder Leon Goretzka.
The German international is available on a free transfer at the end of the season, and has been linked with a switch to Arsenal among other Premier League teams. A report in German tabloid Bild at the weekend revealed that the 22 year old had agreed a move to Bayern although Schalke, and the player’s agent have since denied the story.
The Bundesliga champions have however added fuel to the fire once again, with sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic confirming that the club are interested in signing Goreztka, although he stopped short of saying they had signed him. Speaking to reporters (quotes via the Evening Standard), the Bosnian said:
“Leon Goretzka is a great player, that’s clear. He is a Schalke player and we obviously respect that. But he is a Germany international and we can say that we are interested in him.”
Along with Bayern and the Gunners, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Barcelona and Juventus have all been credited with an interest in the German. The attacking midfielder can speak to clubs in view to signing a pre-contract agreement for next season, and the race for the player will no doubt intensify in the next few weeks.
