Arsenal make demand to Barcelona over Leon Goretzka transfer

Arsenal have reportedly told Barcelona to abandon their chase for Leon Goretzka as the midfielder gets closer to making a decision on his future.

Schalke midfielder Goretzka is one of the hottest properties in Europe with Barcelona, Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool, Juventus and Bayern Munich all believed to be interested in the 22-year-old.

Goretzka is out of contract next summer and Arsenal are believed to have made him their No.1 summer target as they look to follow up last summer’s free-transfer signing of Sead Kolasinac – also from Schalke.

But Barca are also very serious about the Germany international, however according to Don Balon, Arsenal have warned the Catalans away from Goretzka and said they can sign Mesut Ozil if they agree to ignore Goretzka.

Barca are understood to have turned their attention to Ozil after becoming increasingly frustrated in their bid to land Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho.

Ozil, like Goretzka, will be out of contract in June 2018 and Barca, along with Manchester United are keen, while Arsenal have set their sights on Goretzka.

And earlier this month Germany assistant Oliver Bierhoff stated the player was heading to the Premier League.

Although Schalke sporting director Christian Heidel remains hopeful of keeping his star asset.

“I think if Schalke had no chance to keep him I would be the first to know that,” he told SportBild.

“But I haven’t received that kind of information until now.

“Leon will make a decision soon without us building any pressure on him.”