In a major boost for Arsenal fans and a potential blow to their North London rivals, the Gunners are reportedly leading the race to secure the services of Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka on a free transfer this summer. Two reliable sources have confirmed that Arsenal currently “hold the edge” over Tottenham Hotspur in convincing the 31-year-old German international to make the switch to the Premier League.
The saga began in late December 2025, when transfer insider Dean Jones from TEAMtalk revealed that Goretzka had been offered to Spurs as Bayern looked to offload players amid his expiring contract at the end of the 2025-26 season. At the time, it was noted that Goretzka was eager to explore opportunities in England, sparking interest from several top clubs.
Arsenal entered the fray shortly after, particularly following an injury to their own midfielder Mikel Merino, which prompted enquiries on the winter transfer deadline day. Despite no deal materializing in January, both Arsenal and Tottenham have maintained strong interest in the versatile star, who can operate as a box-to-box midfielder known for his relentless energy and pressing ability—earning him the moniker of an “all-action pressing machine” from analysts at Breaking The Lines.
Fast forward to February 2026, and the tide appears to have turned firmly in Arsenal’s favor. On February 8, Graeme Bailey, a respected transfer correspondent, reported that Arsenal are the frontrunners after holding talks with Goretzka’s representatives. These discussions also involved other Premier League heavyweights like Liverpool and Manchester United, but the Gunners have emerged as the preferred destination.
Adding weight to this claim, Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke has now corroborated the story, stating that Arsenal “currently hold the edge over Tottenham” in the pursuit. A key factor tipping the scales is Arsenal’s strong position to offer Champions League football next season. Under Mikel Arteta, the team is challenging for both the Premier League title and European glory, providing an attractive project for a player of Goretzka’s caliber.
In contrast, Tottenham’s season has been tumultuous. After sacking manager Thomas Frank earlier this month and appointing Igor Tudor as an interim replacement, Spurs find themselves precariously placed just five points above the relegation zone. The uncertainty at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, coupled with the lack of guaranteed European competition, has reportedly diminished their appeal in Goretzka’s eyes.
Goretzka, who has made over 200 appearances for Bayern since joining from Schalke in 2018, brings a wealth of experience, including multiple Bundesliga titles and a Champions League triumph in 2020. His ability to break up play, contribute goals (he has 41 for Bayern across all competitions), and drive forward would be a significant upgrade for Arsenal’s midfield, especially as they look to build on their recent successes.
While nothing is set in stone until contracts are signed, these two sources—Bailey and O’Rourke—paint a clear picture: Arsenal are in pole position. Tottenham supporters may have to look elsewhere for midfield reinforcements as their rivals across North London edge closer to landing this high-profile free agent.
For more on this developing story and other transfer news, stay tuned to trusted outlets like TEAMtalk and Football Insider.