Report: Arsenal leading the race to sign Bayern Munich star this summer — and more

Leon Goretzka Transfer Latest as Arsenal Circle Bayern Midfielder

Arsenal’s summer planning appears to have taken a compelling turn. According to reporting credited to CFBayernInsider, Leon Goretzka is edging towards the end of his Bayern Munich chapter, and North London may yet become his next stage.

The German international will depart Bayern when his contract expires, closing a significant era in Bavaria. For Mikel Arteta, this represents opportunity. Arsenal explored a deal in January, yet timing and loyalty intervened. Goretzka had given his word to see out the season in Munich. That decision spoke to character. It also delayed what could prove a decisive move.

Midfield Experience Arsenal Could Value

Arsenal’s midfield is not short of energy or invention. Declan Rice anchors with authority, Martin Odegaard orchestrates, and depth options offer variety. Yet elite teams crave layers of experience, particularly in European competition. Goretzka, 31, has accumulated seasons of Champions League football, domestic titles, and international tournaments.

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He has made 21 Bundesliga appearances this term, scoring twice, although recent selections have favoured Aleksandar Pavlovic. Even so, his profile remains clear. Powerful, tactically disciplined, and capable of arriving late in the box, he fits the mould of a seasoned operator who can steady high stakes fixtures.

Premier League Pull and Italian Interest

Interest extends beyond England. Inter Milan, alongside AC Milan and Juventus, are attentive. Christian Falk told CFBayern:

“It is TRUE: Inter Milan have a chance of signing Leon Goretzka this summer. Inter had a bad week in the Champions League, and now they’re discussing what they sorely need to add to their squad. An experienced player like Leon Goretzka, who is also very physical, could help this team. In Italy, age isn’t as big a factor as it is in the Bundesliga or England, which primarily likes to invest in young players. So, it’s not only InteSr who are interested, there’s also AC Milan and Juventus. I’m not sure if he’d decide to go to Serie A if he also has an offer from the Premier League. Of course, he first needs an offer from England, and it’s worth bearing in mind that he is 31 years old. However, I heard that Goretzka’s main target is the Premier League but he’s also interested in Italy.”

That final line matters. Preference can tilt negotiations. Arsenal, pursuing sustained Champions League participation, can offer both stage and structure.

Strategic Fit Under Arteta

Arteta has emphasised control and adaptability. A free transfer of this calibre reduces financial risk while adding tactical nuance. Goretzka can operate as a holding midfielder or in a more advanced role, pressing aggressively and recovering possession.

There is no guarantee, nor should there be. Arsenal’s recruitment model has focused on peak age assets with resale value. Yet winning squads often include figures who elevate standards behind the scenes. If Goretzka seeks the Premier League as his main target, Arsenal may find the path unexpectedly clear.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From an Arsenal supporter’s perspective, this report stirs intrigue. Goretzka brings pedigree. Champions League nights demand composure, and Arsenal’s youthful core has sometimes lacked that final layer of authority in decisive moments.

At 31, he would not be a long term project. That may concern some fans who prefer investment in emerging talent. However, free transfers shift the equation. If wages remain sensible, adding a physically dominant, tactically mature midfielder could strengthen rotation without blocking development.

There is also the psychological element. Competing with Tottenham for the same target adds narrative weight. More importantly, beating Italian giants to a signature would signal ambition. Supporters want to see Arsenal act decisively in markets where opportunity arises.

Questions remain about minutes and role. Would he start in Champions League ties, or rotate domestically after 2-1 wins that demand control late on? That clarity will matter.

Still, if Goretzka truly views the Premier League as his main target, Arsenal should test that intent. Experience, leadership, and versatility rarely arrive without a transfer fee. This feels like a calculated gamble worth considering.

Milan will be without defender Matteo Gabbia for circa a month after his injury proved to be more serious, as he had surgery today in London.

The centre-back had pulled up during the warm-up of their defeat to Parma at San Siro.

It was believed to be an inflammation of the hip area, and Max Allegri said only three days ago that he would be back “as soon as possible.”

Milan lose Gabbia for at least four weeks

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 22: Marcus Thuram of FC Internazionale and Matteo Gabbia of AC Milan look on during the Serie A TIM match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 22, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)

However, multiple sources this evening including Sky Sport Italia and MilanNews claim that the player underwent a specialist consultation in London.

That recommended a surgical option to resolve the sports hernia, performed by Professor Ernest Schilders at the Mayo Clinic in London.

ROME, ITALY – MAY 14: Matteo Gabbia of AC Milan wins a header during the Coppa Italia Final match between AC Milan and Bologna at Stadio Olimpico on May 14, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Gabbia is expected to fly back to Italy tomorrow, as the surgery was a complete success, and begin the rehabilitation process.

His fully recovery is expected to require around a month on the sidelines.

That also means he will not be available for Italy’s World Cup play-off later this month either.

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The Arizona Cardinals have informed former No 1 overall pick Kyler Murray that they plan to release him at the beginning of the new league year on 11 March, a person familiar with the decision told the Associated Press.

The quarterback, who is owed $36.8m in guaranteed money in 2026, will be free to sign with another team once he’s released.

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