Arsenal’s Last-Gasp Goretzka Bid Fails Amid Rival Interest

Key Points

• Arsenal reportedly made a last-gasp attempt to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka during the January 2026 winter transfer window, according to a recent German report cited via the Daily Mail.
• Goretzka, aged 31, joined Bayern Munich as a free agent from Schalke in 2018 after running down his contract there.
• The German international has won multiple Bundesliga titles, a Champions League trophy, and several other major cup competitions during his time at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena.
• Goretzka is set to leave Bayern Munich as a free agent at the end of the 2025-2026 season.
• Arsenal’s interest stemmed from a need for midfield reinforcement following Mikel Merino’s recent serious injury.
• Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal as an alternative option.
• The proposed transfer for Goretzka did not materialise because the player did not wish to leave Bayern Munich mid-season.
• Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta ultimately decided against signing any new player in the winter window, leaving Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, and Christian Norgaard as the primary midfield options.
• Despite the failed mid-season bid, Arsenal could pursue Goretzka again as a free agent in the summer of 2026.
• Competition for Goretzka’s signature is intense, with AC Milan, Napoli, Juventus, Tottenham Hotspur, and Atletico Madrid also reportedly interested.
• Goretzka believes his playing style suits the Premier League perfectly.
• The midfielder operates as an energetic box-to-box player in Bayern Munich’s double pivot system and can also cover the central attacking midfield (CAM) role if required.
• Transfermarkt values Goretzka at approximately £13 million.
• He has been a key figure for both Bayern Munich and the Germany national team in recent years.
• Signing Goretzka could provide Arsenal with shrewd depth in midfield, though a concrete approach next summer remains uncertain.

North London News Desk – Arsenal made a last-gasp attempt to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka during the winter transfer window. (North London News) February 7, 2026 – In a move that underscores the Gunners’ pressing midfield concerns, Arsenal reportedly tabled a late offer for the 31-year-old German international, as revealed in a recent German report covered by the Daily Mail. However, Goretzka opted against a mid-season departure from the Allianz Arena, leaving Mikel Arteta’s squad without new reinforcements despite Mikel Merino’s serious injury.

The bid came amid heightened scrutiny on Arsenal’s midfield resources, with the club ultimately choosing to stand pat for the remainder of the January window. This decision leaves Arteta relying on a trio of Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, and Christian Norgaard to anchor the engine room through the latter stages of the campaign.

What Triggered Arsenal’s Interest in Goretzka?

Arsenal’s pursuit of fresh midfield talent gained urgency following Mikel Merino’s recent serious injury, which has depleted the squad’s options in a critical area.

As per the German report highlighted via the Daily Mail, the North London club sought to bolster their ranks late in the window, with Goretzka emerging as a viable target. Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali was also heavily linked with a potential switch to the Emirates Stadium during this period.

Despite these links, no deal materialised. Arteta’s side held firm, avoiding any last-minute acquisitions and preserving their wage structure and squad harmony for the summer market.

Why Did the Goretzka Transfer Fall Through?

The primary obstacle was Goretzka’s reluctance to depart Bayern Munich mid-season. The report, as relayed by the Daily Mail from its German source, notes that the player prioritised stability at the Bavarian giants over an immediate Premier League switch.

This stance ensured the last-gasp attempt ended without fruition, respecting his ongoing commitments in the Bundesliga and Champions League.

Goretzka’s loyalty underscores a broader trend among established players wary of disrupting campaigns at title-challenging clubs. Bayern Munich, despite confirming his summer exit, valued his contributions in their double midfield pivot setup.

Who Is Leon Goretzka and What Has He Achieved?

Leon Goretzka, now 31, first rose to prominence after running down his contract at Schalke before joining Bayern Munich as a free agent in 2018.

Since arriving at the Allianz Arena, he has amassed an impressive trophy haul, including numerous Bundesliga titles, a Champions League trophy, and several domestic cup competitions.

Valued at around £13m by Transfermarkt, Goretzka excels as an energetic box-to-box midfielder. His versatility extends to providing cover in the central attacking midfield (CAM) role, making him a multifaceted asset. He has consistently showcased his qualities at the highest level, earning key starts for the Germany national team in recent years.

How Does Goretzka Fit into Arsenal’s Midfield Plans?

Goretzka’s profile aligns seamlessly with Premier League demands, a belief he reportedly holds himself. His high-energy style in Bayern’s double pivot would translate well to Arteta’s high-pressing system, offering both defensive solidity and forward surges.

For Arsenal, currently navigating Merino’s absence with Rice, Zubimendi, and Norgaard, he represents a potential depth booster without the premium fee of a mid-season deal.

Should Arsenal reignite interest in the summer, Goretzka could serve as a shrewd free-agent acquisition. His experience at elite levels positions him as a stabilising influence amid the Gunners’ ambitions for domestic and European success.

Which Clubs Are Chasing Goretzka This Summer?

The race for Goretzka’s services promises to be fierce beyond Arsenal’s orbit. Italian sides AC Milan and Napoli, alongside Juventus, have registered interest, drawn to his technical prowess and physicality. Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal’s North London rivals, are also in the mix, eyeing his Premier League suitability.

Atletico Madrid rounds out the contenders, seeking reinforcement for Diego Simeone’s midfield engine. With Goretzka convinced of his fit in English football, Tottenham’s pursuit adds a layer of intra-London intrigue to the saga.

What Are Arsenal’s Current Midfield Options?

Post-window, Arteta’s midfield hinges on three pillars. Declan Rice anchors the base with his tenacity and passing range, while Martin Zubimendi provides tactical nous in transitions. Christian Norgaard offers reliability and work rate, stepping up amid injuries.

This trio has held firm, but Merino’s layoff exposes vulnerabilities in rotation and cover. Arteta’s faith in internal solutions reflects a strategic patience, banking on summer reinforcements like a potential Goretzka swoop.

Could Arsenal Revive Their Interest in the Summer?

The German report leaves the door ajar for a renewed Arsenal approach. Having tested waters in January, the Gunners hold an informational edge over rivals. A free-agent deal circumvents transfer fees, aligning with financial fair play constraints while addressing depth needs.

Yet, success hinges on outmanoeuvring AC Milan, Napoli, Juventus, Tottenham Hotspur, and Atletico Madrid. Goretzka’s Premier League conviction favours English suitors, but Bayern’s stature and his mid-season stance suggest negotiations will demand precision.

What Does Goretzka’s Bayern Legacy Entail?

Goretzka’s seven-year Bayern tenure has been trophy-laden. Multiple Bundesliga crowns cement domestic dominance, capped by Champions League glory. Domestic cups further swell his cabinet, affirming his role in one of Europe’s powerhouses.

Internationally, his Germany contributions remain pivotal, blending club excellence with national duty. At 31, he enters free agency at peak maturity, unburdened by the free-agent tag from his Schalke exit.

Why Is Goretzka a Shrewd Free-Agent Target?

Free agency slashes acquisition costs, with Transfermarkt’s £13m valuation irrelevant come summer. Arsenal could allocate resources elsewhere, enhancing overall squad building. Goretzka’s box-to-box dynamism plugs gaps exposed by injuries, fostering competition and resilience.

For Arteta, integrating a proven winner bolsters title credentials. His CAM versatility adds tactical flexibility, crucial in multi-front battles.

How Intense Is the Competition from Tottenham and Others?

Tottenham Hotspur’s interest injects rivalry spice, pitting North London foes in a transfer tussle. Spurs view Goretzka’s energy as ideal for Ange Postecoglou’s high-octane style. Italian clubs covet his Serie A adaptability, while Atletico Madrid eyes La Liga grit.

Arsenal must leverage their January groundwork, pitching Premier League allure decisively. Goretzka’s self-belief in English football tilts odds towards London, but multi-club pursuit demands swift, compelling action.