We may all expect to see Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez move away from Arsenal for free next summer, but as Arsene Wenger said last summer, we will be seeing more and more players running down their contracts in the future so they can get much higher wages when they actually move clubs.
One of the biggest names that will be on the market in June is the versatile German midfielder Leon Goretzka, who is currently at Schalke in the Bundesliga. According to the latest rumours the 22 year-old will be in much demand from some of the biggest clubs in Europe but the Gunners are prepared to go all out for him, with talks to begin in January when he can legally talk to clubs outside of Germany. Goretzka himself admitted that that is when he will be making his decision. “There doesn’t exist a deadline, but I think we are in the final phase. The final decision will be made in January.” he said.
It was widely publicized that Arsenal sent scouts to watch Goretzka at the Confederations Cup last summer, where he helped Germany to a winners trophy and amazingly he has scored 6 goals from midfield in his 12 appearances for his country. One of the main reasons why Arsenal are expected to win the battle for his signature (other than the wages on offer) is that Goretzka would be reunited with his friend Saed Kolasinac, who was playing alongside him at Schalke before the Bosnian international moved to Arsenal on a free last summer, and the fact that his international team-mate Shkrodan Mustafi is also in the starting line-up for the Gunners. Kolasinac recently posted a pic on instagram of him and Goretzka together, which will definitely have hinted that their friendship was a close one.
Goretzka could be the next big German midfielder. He is considered to be the next Ballack, and at 22 years of age, we should be all over this transfer. Kolasanic is here, Xhaka, Ozil, Per, all German speaking players, the manager speaks German too. Get Podolski to give him a call, do what ever you can to bring this type of quality to Arsenal. He is also very calm and good on the ball, and willing to run up the pitch for a shot on goal. A very versatile player, Goretzka can operate either as a defensive midfielder, a central midfielder or a right midfielder.
Because he stands at 6’2, his height allows Goretzka to be terrific at winning the ball in the air, which means he can score goals with his head, and keep possession for Schalke. Goretzka’s size also makes him ideal at blocking the ball, and he has become an ideal shot and cross blocker, a great trait for any defensive midfielder. His willingness to tackle is uncharacteristic of midfielders in modern football as we know it. Goretzka, apart with his tackling, also starts attacks for Schalke by getting lots of interceptions in the midfield. Goretzka is an expert at reading where the other teams passes are going and making interceptions. Even though he is primarily a defensive midfielder, Goretzka possesses a wicked shot from long range. People say we are weak in the middle of the pitch and its easy to bully us, but not with this guy. He would be the perfect partner for Ramsey..
Arssene Wenger may redeem himself for letting Ozil and Alexis move for free if he can secure another couple of top stars from Bosman transfers himself, like he did with Kolasinac last summer.
Personally I think he would be an excellent addition to the Arsenal squad and I have a feeling that his arrival is nearly a certainty. All the signs are looking good…
What do you think?
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