A relatively quiet winter transfer window finally starts to heat up a bit for Bayern Munich fans, but on the departure side of the airport. Atletico Madrid has expressed concrete interest in midfielder Leon Goretzka, looking to make a serious move in the upcoming days, according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.
Atletico's football director, Mateu Alemany, has held talks with Goretzka's camp in Munich. However, there have been no formal negotiations between the clubs' executives just yet.
Diego Simeone wants the German midfielder this winter as a potential replacement for Conor Gallagher, who left the club to join Tottenham Hotspur. With Gallagher's departure, Diego Simeone's midfield options are thin, with only three regular players: Johnny Cardoso, Pablo Barrios, and Koke.
Atletico Madrid is still fighting in all three major competitions. They are sitting third in the La Liga, only eight points from the top. Diego Simeone's boys are also looking to advance as far as possible in the UEFA Champions League and the Copa del Rey.
The addition of an experienced Goretzka can replenish the midfield and bolster their chances in all competitions. Simeone would love a high-motor box-to-box midfielder like Bayern's number 8.
Atletico Madrid open to signing Goretzka now or in summer
If no deal can be struck in the mid-season transfer period, the Spanish side is also willing to wait until the summer when the 30-year-old's contract expires, and he can leave on a free. However, Atletico Madrid will face competition from other European giants since there is interest from the likes of Napoli and Fenerbahce in the German midfielder.
Bayern Munich has probably decided against extending Leon Goretzka's contract after the past few disappointing seasons. The German international made 18 appearances in the Bundesliga this season, starting 15 of them. However, he has had a limited impact on the team's play and only found the back of the net once this year.
Goretzka has fallen behind in the pecking order when it comes to a place in central midfield. As things stand, he looks like the fourth choice midfield option after Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlovic, and Tom Bischof.
When being asked about Goretzka's situation at the club at the press conference before the PSV clash, Vincent Kompany hinted that a final decision will be made collectively with the club hierarchy sooner rather than later.
Having said that, Leon Goretzka is still a quality player who can start for most elite clubs in the world. He will be a top commodity for any team that wants to improve its midfield rotation.