Arsenal could move for midfielder – latest transfer reports

Arsenal did not strengthen their first team in January, but would have liked to strengthen their midfield late in the window.

According to journalist Christian Falk, Arsenal made an eleventh-hour move for Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka as the 31-year-old had made it clear he would leave the Bundesliga this summer.

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Goretzka had already rejected an approach from Atletico Madrid in January before the London club expressed interest, and said before the deadline: “As much as I am honored by the interest from big international clubs, I have made a clear decision to stay at FC Bayern until the end of the season,” the midfielder said.

The Premier League leaders are expected to renew their efforts this summer but will face stiff competition from other top clubs including AC Milan, Napoli, Atletico Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur.

Even though Arsenal didn’t get Goretzka through the door, they managed to register a few outings. Ethan Nwaneri was loaned to Marseille, where he scored on his debut against Lens and Oleksandr Zinchenko was sold to Ajax for an undisclosed fee.

They were also linked with the move of out-of-contract midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who has been training with Arsenal’s youngsters to maintain his fitness while searching for a new club.

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Following a serious injury to Mikel Merino, Arteta said he was considering all options when asked if Oxlade-Chamberlain was an option.

But Scottish Premiership side Celtic are now reportedly close to signing the former Gunners and Liverpool midfielder.