Arsenal plan to begin talks with Leon Goretzka in January, as the midfielder’s contract expires at the end of the season.

Manchester City and Juventus will reportedly join the Gunners in trying to lure Goretzka away from Schalke when the winter window opens.

That’s according to Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail, who writes that the German international is aware of the interest from Arsenal, but official talks won’t begin until the new year.

Last season, the Gunners signed Sead Kolašinac from Schalke after his contract expired in the same way. However, Arsenal managed to get in and complete the deal before other clubs really had a chance to get involved.

In Goretzka’s case, there will be more competition for his signature, whether it’s through Juventus and Manchester City, or the promise of a move to Bayern Munich at the end of the season.

Bayern tend to attract Bundesliga players on free transfers, let alone their current dominance of the division making them a desirable club to join.

As for Goretzka, he has four goals and an assist in 10 appearances from central midfield this season, although he’s currently out of the Schalke side with injury.

The 22-year-old has a lot of potential in the middle, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see Arsenal try to pick him up for free.