Leon Goretzka responds to Arsenal offer after failed January transfer

Leon Goretzka turned down a move to Arsenal in the January transfer window (Getty)

Leon Goretzka is keen on a move to the Premier League this summer after rejecting an approach from Arsenal in the January transfer window, according to reports in Germany .

The Bayern Munich midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season and the German champions have already announced that he will leave the club as a free agent.

Atletico Madrid attempted to sign Goretzka in January but the 31-year-old did not want to leave Bayern before the end of the season as Vincent Kompany’s side remain in contention to win the Bundesliga, the Champions League and the DFB Pokal.

BILD report that Arsenal also made a move for Goretzka in the January window but were unsuccessful, although Mikel Arteta’s side will remain in the running to sign the midfielder on a free transfer.

Goretzka already has plenty of options after he leaves Bayern with Atletico, AC Milan, Juventus and Napoli all interested.

However, the Germany international is said to be ‘convinced’ that his playing style is a perfect fit for the Premier League.

Leon Goretzka faced Arsenal in the Champions League in November (DeFodi via Getty)

Speaking on the Bayern-Insider podcast , BILD’s chief reporter, Heiko Niedderer, revealed: ‘We know about the negotiations with Atletico Madrid , which were quite advanced.

‘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.’

Speaking last month, Bayern’s sporting director, Christoph Freund, said: ‘Leon feels very much at home in this club and this team. Despite several quality inquiries, he has decided to stay here until the end of the season.

‘After open and constructive talks, we have come to the conclusion together that he will seek out a new challenge in the summer. It’ll be eight years at Bayern – eight extremely successful years with a strong person and player.

‘Leon will give his all up to the summer to win as many more titles with the team as possible.’