- Manchester United battling for Goretzka
- German midfielder is six-time Bundesliga champion
- Red Devils need to replace Casemiro
Manchester United are reportedly locked in a tug-of-war with Arsenal to secure Champions League-winning Leon Goretzka ahead of his contract expiring, per CaughtOffside. The 31-year-old German has attracted interest from a swathe of Europe’s elite, still determined to test himself at the very top level.
Alongside United and Arsenal, several Italian heavyweights have sniffed around Goretzka. Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Napoli are all circling to monitor the midfielder.
Manchester United are looking to make a number of summer signings, with the club firmly in rebuild mode. With Casemiro and possibly Manuel Ugarte departing from the Red Devils, the club will be looking to bring in at least two midfielders.
Goretzka to Old Trafford?
After 31 years in Germany, Goretzka may finally spread his wings, swapping bratwurst for beans on toast. He has played 320 Bundesliga games across Schalke and Bayern Munich and earned 69 caps for the national team.
In his glittering career, Goretzka has won six league titles, two DFB-Pokals, four Franz Beckenbauer Supercups, the Club World Cup, the German Super Cup, and the 2019/20 Champions League.
His performances in the 2019/20 season helped Bayern Munich secure only the second sextuple in football history.
Now, the midfielder could be ready to take his talents to Manchester United and test himself in the Premier League. One thing is for certain: he will be leaving the German side this summer.
After eight years at Bayern Munich, the midfielder and the club mutually agreed not to extend his contract. The club’s sporting director Christoph Freund explained:
“Leon feels very much at home in this club and this team. Despite several quality inquiries, he has decided to stay here until the end of the season.
“After open and constructive talks, we have come to the conclusion together that he will seek out a new challenge in the summer. It’ll be eight years at Bayern – eight extremely successful years with a strong person and player.”
Goretzka has appeared 37 times across competitions this season, posting two goals and as many assists. He has dropped down Vincent Kompany’s pecking order amid Aleksandar Pavlovic’s rise.
Manchester United Midfield Rebuild
With it seemingly more likely that Manchester United’s midfield will be decimated and rebuilt over the summer, Goretzka could be an outside option.
However, whilst the German is no doubt a fantastic footballer, he does not align with the INEOS recruitment strategy. So far, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s team have not signed a single player over the age of 26.
The German is 31 but could be an option; however, to bring an experienced, proven winner to a squad that is calling out for one. While Manchester United prioritise Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali, adding the German could do wonders for their midfield balance.
