Bundesliga club Schalke are refusing to sell Arsenal target Leon Goretzka this summer, according to a report in Metro.

Goretzka, 22, was one of the stars of Germany’s successful Confederations Cup campaign, and as a result has reportedly drawn plenty of interest from clubs around Europe, including Arsenal and Bayern Munich.

He scored a competition-high three goals for the Germans, including two in the semi-final against Mexico, and with only a year left on his contract,Metro reports that Arsenal were hoping he would follow Sead Kolašinac in making the switch from Gelsenkirchen to North London.

Central midfield is an area where Arsenal notoriously struggle with injuries, with Cazorla and Wilshere already out before pre-season even starts. Combine this with the contract issues that seem to be affecting almost every position at the moment, and it makes sense that the club would be aiming to strengthen.

However, Schalke CEO Christian Heidel has stated that they will “definitely go into next season with Leon“. He added that “as things stand right now, [he] can’t imagine a scenario in which [Schalke] agree to a summer move“.

Whilst Arsenal are no strangers to hearing that a player is not for sale, only to watch them move later in the same window, this seems to put an end to speculation for now.

With the possibility of a free transfer next summer, the Gunners may decide it’s best to wait it out if Schalke are unwilling to do a deal with anyone for now.