{"id":1437270,"date":"2026-03-09T11:05:32","date_gmt":"2026-03-09T11:05:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?post_type=features&#038;p=1437270"},"modified":"2026-03-09T11:06:15","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T11:06:15","slug":"tactical-analysis-leon-goretzka-arsenal-transfer","status":"publish","type":"features","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-leon-goretzka-arsenal-transfer\/","title":{"rendered":"Leon Goretzka analysis: Why Arsenal should target the Bayern Munich midfielder on a free transfer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Arsenal considered a late move for a midfielder in the January transfer window.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mikel Merino sustained a foot injury towards the end of the Gunners\u2019 eventual 3-2 loss to Manchester United. The Spaniard required surgery that all but rules him out for the rest of the campaign. Merino\u2019s absence saw the club ponder a dip into the market in the final knockings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>In this article, we&#8217;ll cover:<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-arsenal-the-frontrunners-for-goretzka\" data-level=\"3\">Arsenal the frontrunners for Goretzka?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-an-experienced-head-in-midfield\" data-level=\"3\">An experienced head in midfield<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-aiding-arsenal-in-the-final-third\" data-level=\"3\">Aiding Arsenal in the final third<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-set-piece-threat\" data-level=\"3\">Set-piece threat<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Newcastle star Sandro Tonali was linked with a move to the Emirates on deadline day. A switch never came to fruition but the Italian remains subject to interest from England and abroad. Another player Arsenal reportedly considered was Bayern Munich man Leon Goretzka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-arsenal-the-frontrunners-for-goretzka\">Arsenal the frontrunners for Goretzka?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The German has already confirmed he\u2019ll leave Bayern once his contract expires at the end of the season. Arsenal supposedly pushed for the 31-year-old over the winter, but Goretzka was keen to see out the campaign with the Bavarian side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even so, Arsenal are believed to be keeping tabs on the former Schalke man. They won\u2019t be the only side in for Goretzka this summer. However, the midfielder is believed to be keen to try his luck in the Premier League. The ball is, arguably, in Arsenal\u2019s court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-an-experienced-head-in-midfield\">An experienced head in midfield<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And in truth, the addition of an experienced head in the middle of the park cannot be overstated. Granted, Mikel Arteta already has this option in Christian Norgaard. However, as effective as the Dane may be, Goretzka is arguably a level above. Crucially, he\u2019d bring with him that winning experience, a mental quality honed during his time with Bayern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He perhaps doesn\u2019t have the legs in him to play the box-to-box role he once did his heyday. Conversely, as the midfield anchor, he\u2019d prove the perfect cover and competition for Martin Zubimendi.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/09105836\/season_stat-leader-top-10-betway-1-819x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1437274\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/09105836\/season_stat-leader-top-10-betway-1-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/09105836\/season_stat-leader-top-10-betway-1-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/09105836\/season_stat-leader-top-10-betway-1-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/09105836\/season_stat-leader-top-10-betway-1-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/09105836\/season_stat-leader-top-10-betway-1-214x267.jpg 214w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/09105836\/season_stat-leader-top-10-betway-1-160x200.jpg 160w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/09105836\/season_stat-leader-top-10-betway-1-48x60.jpg 48w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/09105836\/season_stat-leader-top-10-betway-1-120x150.jpg 120w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/09105836\/season_stat-leader-top-10-betway-1-32x40.jpg 32w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/09105836\/season_stat-leader-top-10-betway-1.jpg 1620w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Goretzka, after all, is a handy distributor. Indeed, a 93.2% pass accuracy is the second best of central midfielders in the Bundesliga this season, and ranks fifth overall. This shouldn\u2019t come as a shock for this dominant Bayern side. Vincent Kompany\u2019s team have the highest possession return (67%) in Germany\u2019s top tier this term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bayern are expected to dictate the tempo in the middle of the park. They are able to do so with Goretzka operating at the base of the side in Kompany\u2019s favoured 4-2-3-1 setup. By comparison, Arsenal rank fourth for possession (56.6%) in the 2025-26 Premier League campaign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-aiding-arsenal-in-the-final-third\">Aiding Arsenal in the final third<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While Mikel Arteta\u2019s side are not the most overwhelming side in the division, they are able to dominate opponents when needs must. However, on the rare occasion they are forced to sit deeper, then a player of Goretzka\u2019s skillset would help the team in more ways than one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Standing at 6ft2in, Goretzka is no slouch. He uses his size and stature to good effect. The Germany international is able to cut the passing channels to help turn defence into attack in the blink of an eye. Bayern, after all, have scored more counter-attacking goals (11) in the Bundesliga this season.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/stakemate-bet-10-get-20-in-free-bets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Stakemate Offer<\/a>: Bet \u00a310, get \u00a320 in free bets<\/h2>\r\n<p><a href=\"\/en\/go\/stakemate?q=gb-all-all-wof-s-spo\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-1422508\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/06122108\/image-150-1024x489.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"489\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/06122108\/image-150-1024x489.png 1024w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/06122108\/image-150-300x143.png 300w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/06122108\/image-150-768x367.png 768w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/06122108\/image-150-1536x733.png 1536w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/06122108\/image-150-400x191.png 400w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/06122108\/image-150-419x200.png 419w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/06122108\/image-150-126x60.png 126w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/06122108\/image-150-150x72.png 150w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/06122108\/image-150-40x19.png 40w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/06122108\/image-150.png 1986w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\r\n<p><strong>How to claim:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<ol>\r\n<li>Go to Stakemate using <a href=\"\/en\/go\/stakemate?q=gb-all-all-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>this link<\/strong><\/a>.<\/li>\r\n<li>Download the app and create your account<\/li>\r\n<li>Place your first bet of \u00a310 or more (minimum odds of 2\/1)<\/li>\r\n<li>Once settled, receive 4 x \u00a35 free bets - minimum 3 selections and 2\/1 odds on each bet.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<div class=\"sq-toplist\" data-bookmaker-id=\"1408906\" data-offer-id=\"1408908\">\r\n<div class=\"sq-toplist__items\">\r\n<div class=\"sq-toplist__item\">\r\n<div class=\"sq-toplist__item-tc\">\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>#AD 18+ New Customers Only. Place any \u00a310 bet to qualify, min 2.0 (1\/1) odds. Qualifying bet must settle, excluding cash outs. Bonus credited with 24hrs of settlement. 4 x \u00a35 free bets. Free bets min 3 selections and 3.0 odds. Returns exclude free bet stake. Expiry applies. Full T&amp;Cs apply.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With the likes of Harry Kane, Michael Olise and Luis Diaz on the books, that shouldn\u2019t come as a shock. Arsenal, though, have struck just three counter-attacking goals in England\u2019s top tier this term. A player of Goretzka\u2019s size combined with his commendable reading of the game would open up a new goalscoring route for the north London side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-set-piece-threat\">Set-piece threat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Given his standing, Arsenal would have another set-piece option to utilise. The Gunners have scored 19 goals from set pieces, excluding penalties, that return the most in the Premier League this season. An aerial threat himself, Goretzka would provide a further outlet from deadball situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And in truth, having a player of his calibre and skillset would give Arteta key options in the middle of the park. Arsenal already boast one of the strongest squads in Europe. Goretzka would add that winning mentality that has proven vital for big teams in the past, and will do so again in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Goretzka may not be the most glamourous of footballers going but he provides a necessary duty in the middle of the park. As potential cover across a couple of vital areas, Arsenal would benefit from acquiring a midfielder of his calibre. On a free transfer, too, he\u2019d be a smart pick up.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3><strong>Read more:<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/\"><strong>Latest football news<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Football betting tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Best betting sites<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/best-free-bet-offers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Best free bet offers<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/accumulator\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Football accumulator tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\n\n\n    <div class=\"sq-articles-list\">\n                <div class=\"sq-cards\">\n                        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The Netherlands striker emerging as Xavi\u2019s new No. 9                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/post-match-analysis-france-vs-italy-02-10-26\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/10\/02220844\/3FNBEGC-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Zinedine Zidane looks on during France&#039;s UEFA Nations League meeting with Italy\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/post-match-analysis-france-vs-italy-02-10-26\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    France vs Italy stats and analysis: Azzurri deny Zinedine Zidane a winning home debut as Les Bleus boss                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-explainer-what-is-a-wing-back\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/10\/02180641\/wingback02102026-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Squawka tactical explainer graphic asking what is a wing-back and which players currently play this role\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-explainer-what-is-a-wing-back\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Tactical Explainer: What is a Wing-Back and which players currently play this role? 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The Mexico wonderkid wanted by Liverpool, Barcelona and Real Madrid                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Arsenal considered a late move for a midfielder in the January transfer window. Mikel Merino sustained a foot injury towards the end of the Gunners\u2019 eventual 3-2 loss to Manchester United. The Spaniard required surgery that all but rules him out for the rest of the campaign. Merino\u2019s absence saw the club ponder a dip&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3564,"featured_media":1437271,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":"","_yoast_wpseo_title":"","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Why Arsenal should target the Bayern midfielder on a free transfer, and how his experience and passing could strengthen Mikel Arteta\u2019s midfield.","footnotes":""},"tags":[],"features-category":[],"squawka-category":[],"class_list":["post-1437270","features","type-features","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":{"external_featured_image_url":"","hide_featured_image_pattern":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.0 (Yoast SEO v28.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Leon Goretzka analysis: Why Arsenal should target the Bayern Munich midfielder on a free transfer | Squawka | EN<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Why Arsenal should 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