Schalke midfielder Leon Goretzka is set to join Bayern Munich on a free transfer next summer.
Goretzka was linked with Arsenal earlier in the summer with the midfielder only having a year left on his Schalke contract. However, according to German journalist Raphael Honigstein, Goretzka has agreed to join Bayern Munich next summer on a free transfer.
My understanding that he's agreed terms with them. Will arrive 2018. (Another reason why the Bayern-Keita story is pure fantasy, btw)
— Raphael Honigstein (@honigstein) July 19, 2017
Reports from Germany have long indicated that Bayern had won the race for Goretzka. Arsenal, Tottenham and Juventus were all linked, but the Bundesliga side have considerable pull in Germany and always seem to snap up the best talent.
He made 30 league appearances last season, scoring and creating eight goals. The midfielder scored and created four goals in seven Europa League starts too.
Schalke general manager Christian Heidel wants to keep hold of Goretzka even if he doesn’t sign a new contract. There doesn’t appear to be any scenario where they would sell elsewhere to prevent the player from joining Bayern.
Goretzka starred for Germany during their Confederations Cup win, scoring three goals on the way to the final. He’s made nine caps for his country and 118 appearances for Schalke. The 22-year-old signed for Schalke in 2013 from Bochum.