In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the football world, Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka has his sights firmly set on a move to Arsenal this summer. The German international, a proven serial winner with a trophy cabinet bursting at the seams, reportedly views the Gunners as his “perfect next club” and believes he could lift the Champions League trophy with them. This revelation comes from reliable sources in Germany, painting a picture of a player eager to embrace the Premier League challenge.
Goretzka, 31, has been a cornerstone at Bayern since joining from Schalke in 2018. During his tenure, he’s helped the Bavarian giants secure six Bundesliga titles, two DFB-Pokals, and the coveted Champions League crown. Yet, with his contract expiring at the end of the 2025-2026 season, the midfielder is exploring new horizons—and Arsenal appears to be at the top of his wishlist.
According to Bild journalist Christian Falk, writing on his CFBayern Insider platform, Arsenal are “currently leading the race” for Goretzka’s signature. Falk emphasized that this sentiment is echoed from Goretzka’s own perspective: “The player’s goal is to move to the Premier League; he would love to play for Arsenal. In his heart, he feels this would be a perfect next club.” Falk further noted that Goretzka is drawn to the English top flight, believing his robust, dynamic playing style—characterized by powerful runs, precise passing, and defensive solidity—would thrive in the Premier League’s high-intensity environment.
The interest isn’t one-sided. Arsenal made an enquiry for Goretzka during the January transfer window, though no formal offer materialized, and the player opted to remain in Munich for the remainder of the campaign. However, sources indicate that the Gunners’ sporting director, Andrea Berta, was personally invested in the deal and sees Goretzka as a key addition to bolster their midfield. Transfer insider Graeme Bailey reported on February 8, 2026, that discussions have already taken place with Goretzka’s representatives, positioning Arsenal as the frontrunners ahead of rivals like Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, and Manchester United.
Falk elaborated on the January saga: “The Gunners didn’t make an offer in January, but they did signal that they were aware of the fact that Goretzka was considering a move away from Bayern. There were very concrete talks with Atletico Madrid—their sporting director was in Munich.” Despite these flirtations, Goretzka’s preference leans heavily toward the Premier League, with Arsenal’s current form and Champions League participation making them an irresistible proposition.
Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal’s north London rivals, have also been linked with the midfielder, but Falk downplays their chances: “Tottenham are also interested, and that could be an option, but Spurs are not as attractive an option as Arsenal right now. Arsenal are playing very well at the moment, and they’re in the Champions League.” For Goretzka, the allure of winning Europe’s premier club competition with a new team is a major motivator. Having already tasted Champions League glory with Bayern in 2020, he envisions replicating that success at the Emirates Stadium.
While Goretzka isn’t putting all his eggs in one basket—”he’s not focused on one club and only one club this summer,” per Falk—he’d be “more than happy to sit at the table and listen to offers” if Arsenal come calling with a concrete proposal. The midfielder’s openness stems from a desire for a fresh challenge after a decorated spell in Germany, where he’s made over 200 appearances for Bayern, scoring 40 goals and providing 40 assists.
Arsenal fans will be thrilled at the prospect of adding such a high-caliber player on a potential free transfer. Goretzka’s experience, leadership, and versatility could provide the missing piece in Mikel Arteta’s puzzle as the Gunners chase domestic and European honors. With the summer window approaching, all eyes will be on whether this dream move materializes.
As the transfer saga unfolds, one thing is clear: Leon Goretzka is ready to declare, “Arsenal! I’m coming.” Stay tuned for more updates on this blockbuster story.