Arsenal could move for midfielder – latest transfer reports | OneFootball

Arsenal did not strengthen their first team squad in January but were reportedly keen to bolster their midfield late on 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 be leaving the Bundesliga side in the summer.

Goretzka had already rejected an approach from Atletico Madrid in January before the London club showed their interest, and before deadline day said: “As much as I am honoured by the interest from international top clubs, I have made a clear decision for myself to remain at FC Bayern until the end of the season,” the midfielder said.

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

While Arsenal did not get Goretzka through the door, they managed to record some outgoings. Ethan Nwaneri was sent on loan to Marseille, where he hit the ground running to score on his debut against Lens and Oleksandr Zinchenko was sold to Ajax for an undisclosed fee.

They were also linked with a move for 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.

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 said to be close to signing the former Gunners and Liverpool midfielder.