Arsenal did try to sign a new player on transfer deadline day.
The Gunners were in need of midfield reinforcement on the last day of the winter window after Mikel Merino suffered a serious foot injury.
Reports have claimed that Merino’s injury could even keep him out of the World Cup, which means Arsenal will be short of one option in the middle of the park for the rest of this campaign.
Arsenal tried to sign Leon Goretzka from Bayern Munich to fill that role, but the German turned down a move to the Emirates.
Imagine you are Andrea Berta. Who is your top target for Arsenal in the summer transfer window?
Why Leon Goretzka rejected Arsenal on transfer deadline day
Goretzka is a ‘world-class‘ midfielder.
The Germany international has been fantastic for Bayern Munich over the years, and even though his level has dropped recently, he is still more than capable of playing for a big club.
Arsenal only needed a midfielder as a backup for Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi, so a move for Goretzka made a lot of sense.
The Bayern star had entered the final six months of his contract, and he had even announced that he would leave the club at the end of the season.
Bild’s Christian Falk has confirmed that Arsenal did make a move for Goretzka, but the player rejected them because he did not want to break his word.
The journalist said on his website: “It is TRUE: Arsenal made an offer for Leon Goretzka shortly before the transfer deadline. This was a very interesting option for the German, but at this point, he’d already decided he wouldn’t move in the winter.
“When Atletico Madrid knocked at his door, he made an official statement on his Instagram account – as did Bayern Munich. It’s not the way of Goretzka to break his word at the last minute – even for Arsenal!
“I think he has a good idea for the Premier League. He believes his playing style suits the English top-flight. There’s still, also, the interest from Atletico Madrid, so plenty of options for the future. Italy is also an opportunity, with interest from Juventus, Milan, Napoli.
“Arsenal, of course, would have been interesting for the midfielder, but the offer came too late on deadline day, which didn’t leave anyone enough time to react. What a pity for Arsenal and Goretzka!”
Leon Goretzka to Arsenal on a free transfer in the summer – who says no?
Should Arsenal sign Leon Goretzka in the summer?
Arsenal will have to improve their midfield in the summer.
Christian Norgaard is a good player to have as a backup, but he is not a world-class midfielder by any means and can be replaced.
Goretzka, who has immense experience at the highest level and has won it all, would be a very smart signing for Arsenal on a free transfer.
The German is more than capable of filling in for Rice or Zubimendi, and he has a winning mentality that would definitely help the Gunners.
If his wage demands are not crazy, we think Arsenal should sign Goretzka this summer.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
