Arsenal ‘make Goretzka approach’ after Newcastle’s Tonali response | Football | Sport

Arsenal appear poised to leave their business until the final moments on transfer deadline day, with the 7pm deadline looming and Mikel Arteta prepared to enter the market at the last minute. Mikel Merino picked up a foot problem during Arsenal’s defeat to Manchester United last week and Arteta has subsequently revealed a bone fracture in the player’s right foot that will require an operation.

According to talkSPORT, Arsenal have made enquiries about Goretzka as a Merino replacement, though a transfer for the player at this moment seems unlikely. Goretzka is expected to depart Bayern in the summer when his deal expires. Bayern and Goretzka had been in discussions, but opted against renewing the player’s contract. The German international has been at Munich since 2018 and has secured six Bundesliga crowns and two DFB Cups.

He has also claimed the domestic Supercup on three occasions, the 2020 Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.

Bayern’s sporting director, Christoph Freund, said: “Leon feels very much at home in this club and this team.

“Despite several quality inquiries, he has decided to stay here until the end of the season. After open and constructive talks, we have come to the conclusion together that he will seek out a new challenge in the summer.

“It’ll be eight years at Bayern – eight extremely successful years with a strong person and player. Leon will give his all up to the summer to win as many more titles with the team as possible.”

“It’ll be eight years at Bayern – eight extremely successful years with a strong person and player. Leon will give his all up to the summer to win as many more titles with the team as possible.”

Discussing Merino’s situation, Arteta said: “Mikel will have surgery in the coming days and will then begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme,” a club statement read.

Encouragement appeared to have arrived from somewhere, though, but the Italian will stay at Newcastle at least until the summer.