Arsenal boasts one of the top midfields in football, led by Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi, who are performing exceptionally this season. Their contributions have helped Arsenal become the leading team in English football.
Supporting them is Mikel Merino, a talented player, along with attacking midfielders Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze, both recognized as some of the best in the Premier League, although they haven’t been at their peak in the 2025/26 season.
Despite this strong lineup, Arsenal sought to add another player. New summer 2025 signing Christian Norgaard hasn’t received as many chances as expected.
According to a report from BILD’s Christian Falk, Arsenal made a last-minute offer for Bayern Munich‘s Leon Goretzka, who is set to become a free agent.
Surprisingly, Goretzka turned down Arsenal’s offer. He will enter free agency in the summer, with clubs like Tottenham Hotspur possibly interested in him.
Goretzka was once regarded as one of the top box-to-box midfielders in Europe, but his form has declined in recent seasons. Initially, Bayern wanted to let him go, but he declined offers to keep his full salary.
In the winter, Bayern showed less interest in parting ways with him due to squad depth and a lack of new signings, leading to his departure on a free transfer. It’s unusual to see a major reporter from Germany stating that Goretzka rejected an offer from the top team in the Premier League.
It’s curious that Arsenal pursued Goretzka despite his recent struggles, and equally strange that he would decline a move to a successful club that is also competing for the Champions League title.