Arsenal are reportedly closing in on the free transfer of Schalke midfielder Leon Goretzka, although a recent injury threatens to stall the deal.
Goretzka has been linked with several clubs due to his current contract situation.
The German midfielder’s deal expires in the summer, and he reportedly wants a new challenge away from Schalke. Any deal might be put on ice, however, due to the midfielder suffering a leg injury.
ℹ️ Leon #Goretzka has suffered a recurrence of the injury in his lower leg. In order to put these continuous and worsening pains to bed, Leon will undergo examinations over the coming days. #s04 pic.twitter.com/erLM6uUc0k
— FC Schalke 04 (@s04_en) December 6, 2017
According to The Sun, Arsenal are still confident they’ve beaten out competition from Barcelona and Bayern Munich to sign him, even if they’re made to wait until he’s back fit.
This news comes just days after the Daily Mail claimed Barca were favourites to sign him, however, as they were willing to offer him a bigger signing-on fee.
With the midfielder now sidelined for Schalke, any hopes of a January move may have been quashed. Goretzka told German publication Kicker that he would make a decision on his future before the January window closes, but he’s not going to have to focus on getting fit again.
The 22-year-old is a highly-valued player and could be one of the bargains of the summer. Goretzka has four goals in 11 Bundesliga appearances for Schalke this season.
He’s the sort of all-action midfielder Arsenal could use in their squad, especially with the futures of several midfielders still in doubt. Santi Cazorla is struggling with injury, while Jack Wilshere and Mesut Ozil are out of contract in the summer.