Goretzka enamours Inter as Nerazzurri look to wrap up steal
MUNICH, GERMANY – MARCH 29: Leon Goretzka of FC Bayern München runs with the ball during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and FC St. Pauli 1910 at Allianz Arena on March 29, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
Inter Milan have become the leading Italian club in the race to sign Leon Goretzka on a free transfer this summer, although Arsenal are exerting significant pressure from the Premier League and could further complicate the pursuit.
The experienced Bayern Munich midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season and free to sign a pre-contract with any club. In January, he almost joined Atletico Madrid before those negotiations broke down, and his availability has since sparked interest from across Europe.
According to TuttoSport, Milan were monitoring the situation but have focused on Brazilian midfielder André from Corinthians, while Napoli and Juventus are thought to be interested but not as far along as Inter in their pursuit.
The move would represent a notable shift in strategy for Oaktree, which had previously demanded a focus on under-23 signings. But owners are convinced a different approach is needed, and the reason is simple.
Inter could sign veteran Goretzka to strengthen midfield in summer overhaul
Inter are expected to lose between four and five senior players at the end of the season, with Sommer, Acerbi, De Vrij, Darmian and Mkhitaryan all out of contract.
Rebuilding entirely with young prospects risks undermining the team’s spine, and the club’s sporting directors have made this compelling case to Oaktree.
Signs of softening were already visible, first during the Pavard-Akanji transition last August, then during the attempted transfers of Cancelo and Perisic in January.
Goretzka would speak to a midfielder facing considerable upheaval.
Frattesi remains keen to play a bigger role elsewhere, Calhanoglu is wanted by Galatasaray whose contract expires in 2027 and Mkhitaryan’s departure appears certain. Inter have already signed 23-year-old Massolin from Modena, while the €23 million buyout of Aleksander Stankovic is considered almost complete.
But Goretzka offers something none of these profiles can match: immediate physicality, Champions League pedigree and true leadership.
He is looking for a three-year contract worth €6-6.5 million per season, comparable to what Barella, Calhanoglu and Thuram currently earn. His agency, Roof, has an established relationship with Inter, having offered Lookman to the club last summer. It remains to be seen whether this time the agreement will succeed, but the foundations are in place.