Goretzka Summer Move Still On: Arsenal Edge Closer to £52m Alternative as Bayern Insider Reveals Transfer Plans

Arsenal's January window proved quiet on the incomings front as they chased the quadruple, but their midfield troubles—compounded by Mikel Merino's long-term injury—sparked fevered speculation over potential reinforcements. Now, fresh insight suggests the Gunners' summer targets are becoming clearer.

Bayern Munich insider Christian Falk has confirmed that Arsenal did indeed table an offer for Leon Goretzka during the winter window. The German midfielder, who has confirmed his departure from Bayern at the end of his contract, was reportedly keen on the move but ultimately chose to honour his commitment to the Bavarian club for the remainder of the season.

However, the door remains open. Falk revealed that preliminary summer discussions have already taken place between Arsenal and Goretzka's camp, with the player understood to favour a Premier League switch. The 30-year-old will arrive at the Emirates as a free agent when his Bayern deal expires.

Yet Arsenal are hedging their bets. The Gunners have also zeroed in on AZ Alkmaar's 20-year-old Dutch prospect Kees Smit, a player generating serious interest across Europe's elite. Real Madrid and Liverpool are also circling, and a summer bidding war looks inevitable. Alkmaar are holding firm at a €60m (£52m) asking price.

Falk confirmed Bayern are not serious contenders for Smit, pointing to their existing midfield depth—Aleksandar Pavlović, Tom Bischof, Joshua Kimmich, and Konrad Laimer all occupy similar territory. For Arsenal, however, Smit represents a potential alternative to Goretzka, with the Gunners positioned ahead of both Liverpool and Real Madrid in the pecking order.