Leon Goretzka looks set to be heading through the exit door at Bayern Munich in the summer.
The German midfielder’s contract is up and he has been linked with a host of different clubs. That’s no surprise given he’s still capable of playing at the top level.
The question is, where could Goretzka go? We’ve taken a look at some possible destinations for the experienced midfielder.
Where could Goretzka go this summer?
Dream: Arsenal
A move to Arsenal might feel a little unrealistic due to the number of midfielders they currently have in their squad. But the Gunners have been linked with signing Goretzka in the summer.
Although Arsenal like to dominate possession, they aren’t as heavily focused on it as Bayern Munich. Mikel Arteta’s side focus more on their defensive structure.
Goretzka would offer Arsenal something slightly different to what they have in midfield. The German midfielder is very comfortable in possession and likes to drive with the ball from deep, in a similar way to Declan Rice.
Goretzka isn’t your pivot like Martin Zubimendi. Nor is he a true box-crasher like Mikel Merino. Instead, he’s a mix of everything and is strong in a duel.
If Arsenal are looking to develop their style of play after potentially winning the Premier League, adding someone who is so used to being in a hugely dominant side could be beneficial.
Realistic: Juventus
Goretzka perhaps can’t get around the pitch as he used to. And he’s not been truly tested defensively in the league, considering how dominant Bayern Munich are almost every year.
The pace of Serie A could be exactly what he needs in the final years of his career. Juventus have struggled to keep up with the likes of Inter and Napoli in recent years, so a player of Goretzka’s calibre could be exactly what they need.
Serie A clubs certainly aren’t afraid to sign ageing players if they can still offer something. With Goretzka having bundles of experience at the top level, including in the Champions League, he would undoubtedly be a smart addition.
The 31-year-old might not be able to get another long-term deal with a club at the level of Bayern, so Juventus could be a realistic pick.
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Wildcard: Man Utd
Manchester United have been heavily linked with a host of different midfielders ahead of the summer transfer window. We could see them add at least one body in the middle of the park.
Casemiro is heading through the exit door at the end of his contract, so Man Utd will need a replacement.
Casemiro isn’t strong in the first phase in possession in terms of building from deep and prefers to play slightly more advanced, similar to Goretzka, and the German international could be a like-for-like replacement.
Man Utd will likely invest heavily in an up-and-coming midfielder, having been linked with Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, and Carlos Baleba. But Goretzka could be the cheap, experienced option alongside one of the aforementioned trio.
Squawka Suggests: Newcastle
The ideal move for Goretzka this summer might be to Newcastle United.
There’s a chance that the Magpies will lose one of Bruno Guimaraes or Sandro Tonali in the summer. Both players have been linked with a move away.
Newcastle have struggled when having to play in Europe, due to the demands of two games a week. But that’s something Goretzka has been used to for his whole career.
Goretzka’s passing combined with his duel-winning ability means he not only suits Eddie Howe’s aggressive style of play, but he can also add a little more control amid the chaos in midfield.
Newcastle are often careful with how much they spend due to financial regulations. So acquiring a player of Goretzka’s ability on a free transfer could be a smart move.
It looks set to be a competitive race for the signature of Goretzka this summer, and if he does leave Bayern on a free, a host of clubs will be battling to secure him.