Schalke chairman Clemens Tonies wants Leon Goretzka to decide his future this month. There’s hope for Arsenal as no deal is agreed with any club.

Goretzka is out of contract in the summer and is free to talk with clubs outside the Bundesliga this month. He has plenty of clubs interested in him. Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Barcelona have all been linked since the summer transfer window.

Schalke have accepted that he’s likely to leave on a free transfer, but are urging him to make his mind up. “We, our coach, the general manager and myself, did everything to keep him. In this month of January, he will say what he will do,” said Schalke chairman Clemens Tonies.

“Schalke accepted the economic conditions of Leon and his entourage. The team is the most important thing. We are in the quarterfinals of the Cup and also second in the championship. Now, Leon has to decide.”

The 22-year-old is taking his time to come to the right decision, given he has so many clubs interested in him. Arsenal may have to pull off a minor miracle to convince the midfielder to join them instead of Barcelona or Bayern Munich.

They do not have Champions League football to offer, nor are they competing for any major honours at the moment. They have a need to strengthen their midfield but may be setting their sights high given the interest.

Mohamed Elneny had a forgettable game against Nottingham Forest recently, while Francis Coquelin was left out entirely despite not being injured. Goretzka would be a fine addition to the squad, but Arsenal may have to look at other targets.