Arsenal Holds the Key to a Bayern Star's Summer Move
8 February 2026
Arsenal in the driver's seat
The deal stalled in winter, could happen in summer.
Arsenal holds the key to finalizing Leon Goretzka's transfer from Bayern Munich, expected to materialize in the upcoming summer window, despite interest from several top clubs.
Arsenal aimed to sign a midfield option in the winter window after Mikel Merino's injury.
Goretzka and the summer race
Goretzka and Sandro Tonali were among the names linked to a move to North London, but Mikel Arteta's side wrapped up the window without any additions.
Goretzka's Bayern Munich contract runs until the end of the season, and he attracted significant interest in January, with Arsenal and Atlético Madrid among teams that submitted bids for the 31-year-old German international, but he decided to stay and finish the season with Vincent Kompany's side, who compete for the Bundesliga title, the Champions League, and the German Cup.
Rivals and potential bids
Reports say Milan, Juventus and Napoli have joined Arsenal and Atletico Madrid in the race to sign Goretzka in the summer.
Arsenal holds an edge because Goretzka reportedly wants to play in the Premier League and believes the league suits his style.
Arsenal's midfield options
Since joining Bayern in 2018, he has helped win six Bundesliga titles, plus the Champions League and two German Cups, and has played 292 games, scoring 47 goals and 48 assists.
Arsenal already boast a strong midfield crop, having added Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard in the previous window, and also options like Merino, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, and Eberechi Eze.
Punchline: If Arsenal land Goretzka, Bayern will wonder where winter went.
Punchline: Arsenal’s midfield might finally outrun its own coffee machine.
