Transfer News: Man Utd and Arsenal want Leon Goretzka but he could join Barcelona instead

Goretzka is the toast of German football after helping Joachim Lowe’s side win the Confederations Cup this summer.

As a result, Liverpool and Manchester City were linked with summer moves ahead of the Premier League campaign.

Goretzka ultimately opted to remain in the Bundesliga but, with his contract expiring next summer, is likely to be on the move before then.

And German newspaper Sports Bild say Manchester United and Arsenal have joined City and Liverpool in the race for his signature. 

However, in bad news for the Premier League heavyweights, a move to England is not Goretzka’s No 1 choice.

Instead, it is said he is mulling over whether to join Barcelona or Bayern.

Bild say the 22-year-old initially agreed to sign for Bayern at the start of next season.

But with Carlo Ancelotti’s side struggling, he could opt to pursue a new challenge over in La Liga instead.

Barcelona need a midfielder capable of pulling the strings for years to come.

Andres Iniesta is past his prime, Xavi left two years ago and Sergio Busquets is also on the wane.

And Goretzka could sign on, particularly if the Catalan giants fail to re-ignite their interest in Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho. 

Schalke sporting executive Christian Heidel recently said he hopes to have the player’s future sorted by the time the transfer window opens again in January.

“I’d like to think that by the winter break we will have clarity,” he said.