Barcelona could beat Arsenal to the signing of Leon Goretzka by offering him a bigger signing-on fee.

Goretzka is out of contract in the summer, and has been linked with several top clubs, including Arsenal.

According to the Daily Mail, Barcelona are very keen on signing the £21m midfielder, and are hoping that a big signing-on fee will convince him to choose them.

They report that Barcelona see him as a much cheaper alternative to Mesut Ozil, whose wage demands have been deemed excessive.

ozil huddersfield
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 29: Mesut Ozil of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his sides fourth goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Huddersfield Town at Emirates Stadium on November 29, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

After months of speculation about his future, Goretzka told German magazine Kicker that he intends to make a decision in January. With six months remaining on his deal, he would be free to reach an agreement with other clubs ahead of a summer move.

Schalke have tried to tie him down to a lucrative new deal, but don’t appear to be having much luck. If the choice is between Barcelona and Arsenal, you imagine Goretzka would opt to go to Spain.

He might get more first-team football at Arsenal, but the chance to join Barcelona doesn’t come around often. Nonetheless, we hope to see Arsenal at least try to convince him to join, because I believe he could really add something to the squad.