Barcelona are reportedly set to beat Arsenal to Schalke midfielder, Leon Goretzka.

According to Spanish outlet Diario Gol, Lionel Messi has been made aware of Barcelona’s plans to sign Goretzka from Schalke.

The 22-year-old was allegedly supposed to move to La Liga during the summer but he asked for the transfer to be delayed so he could negotiate a free deal and receive a signing on bonus. His current contract with Schalke runs out at the end of this season.

Mesut Ozil and Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho are both reportedly staying put, which is why Barca supposedly want to focus their attention on Goretzka.

Goodness knows why Messi would be made privy to Barca’s transfer dealings. The forward signed a new, record deal with the Catalans until 2021 over the weekend, so perhaps the theory behind the story is that he wanted assurances that his club were going to continue to compete in the transfer market? Otherwise, it’s a bit odd. He may be the club’s star players but he’s still just a player.

Goretzka has scored four goals in 10 Bundesliga appearances so far this season after making his debut for the club in 2013.

Arsenal have been linked with the Germany international but if Barca are in the frame, it’s claimed that he will have a hard time turning down the Spanish giants.