Mikel Arteta. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta is reportedly keen on returning for a late January transfer window target in the summer after failing with an 11th-hour bid before last week’s deadline.
Arsenal did not welcome anyone of note in the winter window, despite the Gunners being well placed to deliver silverware by the end of the season.
Arteta appears happy with his current crop, though a sudden injury to Mikel Merino, which has ruled the midfielder out for months, almost prompted the Gunners into action late in the day.
Reports have suggested Arsenal did attempt to replace the void left by the former Real Sociedad ace, but this has not deterred Arteta from pursuing further replenishment in central midfield, with an early summer target emerging.
Arsenal to return for Leon Goretzka after Bayern rejected deadline day bid
According to Calciomercato, Arsenal remain interested in adding German midfielder Leon Goretzka to their squad.
The Gunners reportedly bid for the midfielder ahead of the transfer deadline with Merino’s foot fracture in mind, but Bayern Munich rejected their approach.
Goretzka’s contract runs out in the summer, and he was available on a pre-contract deal to clubs outside the German Bundesliga.
Calciomercato claims that a Premier League move would be considered ‘the priority’ when it comes to Goretzka’s next move, with Spurs among those linked with him during the early weeks of the year.
If Arsenal were to go head-to-head with Spurs, it would appear to be no contest in terms of fighting for honours.
However, Goretzka may see Spurs as more of a challenge in a team where he could be sure of more minutes, compared to if he joined Arsenal’s stacked midfield – especially with Merino expected to be back before the summer.
Alternatively, Milan could offer him a more competitive role while challenging for top honours.
Arsenal may have missed out on a late deal to sign the 31-year-old, but the big bonus of having to wait another six months is not having to negotiate with Bayern or pay a transfer fee.
The fact that the Gunners are still being linked long after the closing of the window suggests Arteta sees Goretzka as much more than a potential quick fix while Merino recovers from injury.
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