Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Schalke star Leon Goretzka according to reports today.
The midfielder has just over six months remaining on his current deal with the Bundesliga side and has insisted he will not be signing a new deal as he fancies a new challenge and the chance to further develop himself as a player.
His contract situation means that he is soon free to sign a pre-contract agreement with any foreign club ahead of a free transfer next summer.
According to The Sun, Arsenal are confident of securing a deal with the 22-year-old. They plan to offer him a sizeable signing in fee as well as a big increase on his current salary at Schalke.
If Arsene Wenger were able to conclude a deal for Goretzka, it would be a huge coup for the club. Both Manchester clubs as well as Liverpool have been linked with the German international and would all be able to match Arsenal’s financial muscle.
It would also go some way of appeasing Arsenal fans who are facing up to losing both Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Özil, also on free transfers next summer.