Arsenal will open talks with Schalke midfielder Leon Goretzka over a proposed switch to north London next season, according to Daily Mail.
The 22-year-old is out of contract in summer and Arsene Wenger wants to bring the Germany international to the Emirates on free transfer.
Goretzka is aware of Arsenal’s interest and the club believe they are in a strong position to land the versatile midfielder, though official talks will not commence until January.
However, the Gunners are not the only club in the running with a host of Europe’s top clubs — including Manchester City and Juventus — planning their own moves.
Arsenal successfully swooped for Sead Kolasinac from Schalke last summer and hope that deal will leave their move for Goretzka in good stead.
The Gunners have significantly increased their scouting presence in Germany over the past three years, the appointment of Borussia Dortmund scout Sven Mislintat as their new head of recruitment highlighting their expansion.
Indeed, Kolasinac and Granit Xhaka have been signed from the Bundesliga over the past 18 months.
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