Arsenal made transfer offer for Bundesliga superstar in audacious last-gasp January move

Bayern Munich's Leon Gortetzka was the subject of a reported move from Arsenal in January after the Gunners suffered an injury blow to Mikel Merino

Arsenal made a last-minute attempt to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka at the end of the January transfer window, according to reports in Germany.

Goretzka, 31, will leave the German champions at the end of the season when his current contract expires. The midfielder has been at the club for eight years but will seek a new challenge for the 2026/27 season.

But according to BILD in Germany, Arsenal were keen to sign him and tabled an offer for the former Schalke star late in the winter window. However, it's claimed that Goretzka decided not to leave Munich in the short term and is set on seeing out the remainder of his contract.

FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

AC Milan, Napoli, Juventus, and Atletico Madrid are all said to be keen on Goretzka when his contract expires. BILD reports that the midfielder is convinced his playing style is perfect for the Premier League, with Tottenham also keen.

"As much as I am honoured by the interest from international top clubs, I have made a clear decision to myself to remain at FC Bayern until the end of the season," Goretza said before deadline day.

"At the same time, the club and I have decided in good and constructive talks that our successful time together will come to an end in the summer. As I have said before, this is also the right moment for me to open a new chapter once again, both as a footballer and as a person."

The Gunners were in the market for a new central midfielder late in the window following Mikel Merino's injury. The 29-year-old has missed the last three games after picking up a foot injury in the 3-2 loss to Manchester United.

It's not yet known how long Merino will miss, with his father recently revealing there is "uncertainty" about how long he will be out injured. Mikel Arteta confirmed before the window closed that the club was considering a late move for a replacement.

"Of course," he said when asked if Merino's injury would change the Gunners' late plans in the window. "When you lose a big player like this in the squad, with four months to go and other competitions to play for, you need to look.

“We need to do everything that we possibly can to see if we have a player that is available. If we don't, OK, we keep what we have.

"At this level, especially for four months, you have to bring a player who has the capacity to adapt immediately and impact the team. That’s not easy but if it was easy we wouldn’t be here. We need to find solutions and try.”