According to Calciomercato, AC Milan are determined to sign Leon Goretzka as a free agent when his contract with Bayern Munich expires at the end of the season, but they face strong competition from Arsenal for the services of the 31-year-old midfielder.

At Milan, they believe Goretzka would add significant quality to their midfield ranks, and they want him regardless of whether veteran Luka Modric decides to stay or leave.

Arsenal tried to jump the queue by submitting an offer on the final day of the winter transfer window and Bayern were ready to consider selling, but Goretzka’s answer was a polite “no, thank you”. Aiming for a place in Julian Nagelsmann’s World Cup squad, the Germany international had no desire to disrupt the ongoing season with a change of scenery.

However, the summer will obviously be a different picture, and his future is expected to be sorted before the tournament in North America starts.