Newcastle, Aston Villa hold talks with 73-cap German as star makes decision on where to play next
Aston Villa and Newcastle have both held talks over a deal to sign Leon Goretzka this summer, though intermediaries continue to offer the Germany international to other notable Premier League sides, with TEAMtalk confirming Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool have also been contacted.
The 31-year-old is available on a free transfer after leaving Bayern Munich earlier this summer and remains one of the most intriguing names on the market.
Goretzka has already been linked with a host of major European clubs, including Arsenal, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan, but his representatives are continuing to explore options, and with sources confirming that England remains top of the player’s list, having decided that’s where he would like to play next.
His record at the highest level remains outstanding. Goretzka made 312 appearances for Bayern Munich, scoring 51 goals and providing 53 assists, while he has won 73 caps for Germany, scoring 15 times and assisting 12.
He also played a part in Germany’s World Cup campaign, underlining his fitness and readiness for another move despite leaving Bayern.
TEAMtalk understands intermediaries have been actively making calls over the last month and have spoken to a number of Premier League clubs about Goretzka.
Among those made aware of Goretzka’s availability have been Brighton, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa and Newcastle United, as intermediaries continue to assess the appetite for a move to the Premier League.
TEAMtalk understands conversations have already taken place with both Villa and Newcastle, with the two clubs exploring the midfielder’s situation.
However, they are far from the only sides keen…
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Man Utd out of Leon Goretzka conversation as star assesses options
More recently, contact has been made with some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs, with Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool among those offered the opportunity, while Manchester United have also been informed.
United, though, are now out of the conversation following their agreement to sign Carlos Baleba, but Goretzka’s free-agent status means there remains scope for other clubs to consider the opportunity.
Chelsea, City and Liverpool are all understood to have been made aware of the situation, with Goretzka’s experience and availability on a free transfer making him an intriguing option for clubs still assessing their midfield requirements.
Outside England, interest remains from Italy and Spain, while Saudi Pro League and MLS possibilities are also being explored.
Ambitious Turkish side Besiktas have emerged as another option in recent days, with the Super Lig increasingly becoming a destination for major free agents this summer, with the likes of Mohamed Salah and Dusan Vlahovic making the move.
However, TEAMtalk understands a move to the Premier League remains firmly on Goretzka’s agenda.
The midfielder is therefore continuing to assess his options, with several clubs now aware that one of Europe’s most experienced free agents is available and looking for his next challenge.
Villa certainly look an obvious destination for Goretzka given they can offer the star UCL football and, given the departures the Midlands giants have suffered this summer.
Unai Emery’s side are also preparing to lose striker Ollie Watkins, with an exit to Al-Hilal edging closer, though they are now favourites to sign a £65m striker as his direct replacement.
