Leon Goretzka: Why Man United hold the edge over Arsenal in race for Bundesliga star | OneFootball

Manchester United are preparing for a midfield overhaul this summer.

Last summer, United were keen on signing a defensive midfielder but ultimately postponed that pursuit. That lingering transfer need, now coupled with Casemiro’s expected summer exit, leaves the Red Devils requiring two or three top midfield signings to build a reliable engine room for next season.

While INEOS may be prepared to spend big on those midfielders, they will surely also be eyeing bargain deals to bolster their options in the middle of the park.

Goretzka transfer opportunity

One such bargain deal the 20-time English champions are being linked with is a move for Leon Goretzka, who is expected to leave Bayern Munich as a free agent in the summer.

Described as a “machine” by Die Roten teammate Aleksandar Pavlovic, Goretzka has everything a player needs to make an impact in the Premier League.

A physically imposing, all-action box-to-box midfielder, he combines elite pressing and tackling, attributes that should allow him to thrive in the high intensity of English football.

Arsenal had been packaged as favourites in the race for his services, but an interesting claim from Football Insider refutes that notion.

United have a better chance of convincing Goretzka than Arsenal

The UK outlet instead makes the case for why Manchester United are the favourites for this deal, hinting at the 20-time English champions’ secret weapon:

“A title win would provide another string to Arsenal’s bow when it comes to trying to convince him to join, but United certainly have their level of squad depth on their side.

“Goretzka would be competing alongside the esteemed duo of Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi, plus Martin Odegaard, if he moved to the Emirates Stadium, but if he made the switch to Old Trafford instead, there would be far less competition for him.

“The former Schalke man would surely fancy his chances of pushing ahead of Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo in the pecking order, with places set to be up for grabs at the base of the midfield.”

Goretzka the perfect Casemiro replacement

As influential as Casemiro has been this season, his departure would certainly leave a significant void.

Just yesterday, following United’s win over Aston Villa, in which the Samba star scored his seventh league goal of the campaign, Old Trafford faithful were chanting for him to stay one more year.

Conflicting reports have since emerged over whether Casemiro’s stay is possible.

But should he not stay, landing Goretzka on a free, alongside any marquee midfield signings, would represent a genuine transfer masterstroke.

The Bundesliga star could go a long way towards easing the blow of Casemiro’s exit, particularly after such an influential league campaign from the former Real Madrid star.

Featured image Stuart Franklin via Getty Images

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