Manchester United are reportedly set to face tough competition from Arsenal in the transfer race to sign Germany and Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka.

Goretzka, who turned 31 earlier in February, has been one of his team’s mainstays since arriving on a free transfer in the summer of 2018. He has helped the German giants lift six Bundesliga titles and one UEFA Champions League trophy, producing 98 goal involvements in 301 total games.

Now, according to Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Sport Witness), both Manchester United and Arsenal have already made moves to snap up Goretzka as a free agent. Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Juventus are also interested in signing the Bochum academy product in the summer.

Goretzka, who is likely to make Germany’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad, is hoping to secure a well-paid move this summer. His wish to earn at least £6 million-a-year at his next club has distanced the famed Serie A clubs.

As a result, Manchester United and Arsenal are deemed to be leading the ongoing race for the right-footed box-to-box midfielder. While the Red Devils could use him as an apt replacement for Casemiro, the latter could utilise him as an experienced squad option in the upcoming campaign.

So far this term, Goretzka has started 20 of his 37 appearances in all competitions for Bayern Munich. The former Schalke star has scored twice and laid out as many assists for Vincent Kompany’s side in the 2025-26 season.

Ex-Manchester United man tells Arsenal to launch move for former Real Madrid star

Ex-Manchester United and Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves has urged Arsenal to sign Como attacking midfielder Nico Paz in the near future. He asserted on TNT Sports (h/t Metro):

“There’s a young lad at Como, Nico Paz. There’s an option for him to go back to Real Madrid. This kid, you’ll see him at the World Cup. Mikel Arteta will already know that this boy will be a star and if you don’t ask, you don’t get. A player like that could suit Arsenal.”

Como head coach Cesc Fabregas, a former Gunners captain, is also a big admirer of Paz. He said about him last week:

“He sees the goal, he is not afraid. Nico enjoys playing, he can play different roles and he is very complete player. I see a very, very big potential in him.”

Since leaving Real Madrid for over £5 million in 2024, Paz has registered 17 goals and 15 assists in 68 total appearances for Como.