Schalke have offered goal poacher Leon Goretzka a club-record deal in a bid to fend-off interest from teams like Liverpool and Arsenal, according to German outlet Bild.
The German publication claim that the Bundesliga outfit have tabled a final take of leave “mega offer” worth a whooping £10.7million a year, equivalent to £206,000-a-week to the Arsenal and Liverpool target as well as a contract with a “double-digit” exit clause.
According to the Daily Mirror, they claimed that Liverpool as well as the Gunners have been hot on the prospect of signing the 22-year-old, with Manchester United also mentioned to be interested in his services.
However, Schalke aren’t willing to part ways with their goal-scoring midfielder and are looking to fend off the Premier League big hitters by making Goretzka the highest-paid player in their history.
The Gambling Times reported last week that Liverpool’s boss Jurgen Klopp is “working hard” on convincing the German start to join his side.
Leon Goretzka a good move for Liverpool?
Yeah, Leon Goretzka is not just some rising star in German football, he is an established one. The 22-year-old Bochum-born has already made 128 appearances for Schalke as well as 12 appearances for Germany senior team, which has seen him scored six goals, a huge number for a central midfielder. He is something of a goal poacher, scoring four goals in 10 appearances for the Die Königsblauen this season, including in three of his last four Bundesliga appearances. Without further ado, Goretzka would be a perfect signing for Liverpool and good enough to walk straight into the Red’s side.
Jurgen Klopp’s interest in the midfielder comes at a time when his side are preparing for the exit of compatriot Emre Can, who is out of contract next summer and talks on contract extension has stalled with the club’s hierarchy. The new improved bid from Schalke is a clear sign of how good Goretzka is that the Bundesliga giants are willing to break the bank to such an extend in order to keep him at the Veltins Arena.
How likely Leon Goretzka to Liverpool could happen?
Barely a day goes by with report not linking Goretzka with Liverpool. But that is the case with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United, and it is clear that Liverpool have a lot to do to win the race for such an in-demand player. Despite the keen competition for Goretzka’s signature, the Merseyside can call upon the Klopp factor, which could prove key for a player who seems to have made it his mission to play in the Premier League.
However, Arsenal’s interest in Goretzka is a complicated tale that apparently depended on playmaker Mesut Ozil re-joining former boss Jose Mourinho at Manchester United for around £30m in order not to face losing him for nothing in June. Should Ozil had a rethink then put pen to paper on an improved deal with Arsenal, then Man United will have to turn attention to Goretzka. Either way, the puzzle will be solved when the transfer window re-opens in January.
A January deal should not be ruled out as Schalke may decide to cash in on their prize asset in the forthcoming window if he rejects their final attempt to tie down.